Donald J. Burke of Lakewood passed away at his home on March 2, 2021. He was 83. Don was born to Edward F. Burke, Sr. and Maxine E. Burke in Denver on January 14, 1938. He was raised in the Washington Park neighborhood of Denver and graduated from St. Francis de Sales High School in 1955. Shortly thereafter, he married and started his family. Don began working for Safeway while still in school and continued to work in the grocery industry for 17 years. He served in the Colorado National Guard for 13 years. In 1969, he earned his real estate license and began his real estate career which lasted until he retired in 2009. Don was very proud of his Colorado heritage, being a third-generation native born Coloradan. His maternal grandparents were born in Colorado in 1887, and he was delighted when one of his great-granddaughters became the family’s sixth-generation native born Coloradan. He loved spending time with family and enjoyed telling stories of his youth and life experiences. He had a wonderful sense of humor, finding something funny in most situations and usually laughing at himself. Don took pride in being a loyal Broncos fan. He was an early season ticket holder in the 1960s and 1970s. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Edward F. Burke, Jr. and Gerard C. Burke, and his sister Joyce Truckenmiller. Also preceding him in death was his son, Donnie. Don is survived by his children Connie Pennington (Mark), Les Burke, Julie Graham (Randy), and Steve Burke (Maria). Don is also survived by his brother-in-law, Dale Truckenmiller, and his grandchildren, Nick Burke, Kurt Pennington, Chris Pennington, Kaci Pennington (Matt Turner), Amber Hopkins, Khris Contreras, Lindsey Burke, and Bethany Burke. Don has four great-grandchildren, Madison Wrisinger, Jaxon Pennington, Merrick Lockard, and Hattie Turner. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial for Don is planned for a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation made to the Denver Dumb Friends League would be appreciated.
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