Richard T. Burke

Richard T. Burke, age 82, passed away February 4, 2013 at Hospice of Northwest Ohio, Perrysburg, after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Mineola, Long Island, New York, and was a graduate of Michigan State University. Upon graduation from MSU, he received an Appointment to the United States Navys Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He proudly served his country as a Lieutenant in the Navy for several subsequent years, and was a veteran of the Korean War. His professional career as a building contractor and real estate developer spanned over 50 years in the Toledo area. He was past President of the Toledo Area Home Builders Association, past Chairman of the Toledo Area Plan Commission, and the recipient of many distinguished awards in his field. He was a magnanimous contributor to numerous charities throughout the region, and was a staunch defender of wildlife and their habitats. He had a great love for the outdoors, and spent countless hours working in his beautiful gardens at his home. A much beloved husband, father and grandfather, Richard is survived by his loving wife, Betty, whom he met at Michigan State. They would have celebrated 60 years of marriage in June, 2013. He is also survived by daughters Diane Varner Brett, and Jane Cermak Todd, both of Sylvania, and by three grandchildren, Ben and Maria Cermak, and April Varner. The family will receive guests at Walker Funeral Home, 5155 Sylvania Ave., on Sunday from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. The visitation will also include a Rosary Service, which will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will begin with prayers at the funeral home at 11:30 AM on Monday followed by Mass of the Resurrection at Christ the King Church, 4100 Harvest Lane, Toledo, at 12 noon. Interment will follow at Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to the charity of the donors choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at walkerfuneralhomes.com.