Received from Steve Wilson

MAJ. NICHOLAS EASTON BURKE, USMC RET.
1934 – 2005
June 8, 2005
Major Nicholas E. Burke (USMC, Ret.), age 70 of Gulf Breeze, passed away on Monday, June 6, 2005. Nicholas was born on December 21, 1934 in Newport, Rhode Island.

He led a storied career in the U.S. Marine Corps as an aviator and received an honorable discharge after 24 years of service. Major Burke served our country in two tours overseas during the Vietnam conflict. He was assigned to two different helicopter divisions; VMO-6 during 1966-67 and HML-367 during 1970-71. Decorations earned by Nicholas include Air Medal (60th Award), Navy Unit Commendation, Purple Heart, Distinguished Flying Cross as both a AH-1G and UH-1 pilot, Silver Star, Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry as well as numerous others. He served his family and his country well. We will miss him. Godspeed.

Nicholas is survived by the love of his life and wife of 47 years, Patricia Herring-Burke of Gulf Breeze, FL. He is also survived by his children, Kathy Austin and Authur Burke (Pam); grandchildren, Thomas Jay Austin (Gladys), Jennifer Austin and Chandler Burke; one great grandchild, Aliyah Austin, all of Gulf Breeze, FL. Nicholas also leaves behind his sister, Meredith Risheberger (Jack) of State College, PA.

His son, William Earnest Burke, preceded him in death.

Funeral service will be 9:15 a.m. on Friday, June 10, 2005 at Faith Chapel Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Prestige officiating.

Interment will follow at 10:15 a.m. with full military honors at Barrancas National Cemetery.

FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is in charge of arrangements.

The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 9.
©The Pensacola News Journal
June 8, 2005