Edmund M. Burke

Edmund Martin Burke, age 100, of Valhalla, NY, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026.

Ed was born on July 22, 1925, in Westhampton Beach, NY, to Ursula (Ruby Stack) and Martin J. Burke.

Raised in the Bronx, Ed graduated from Fordham Preparatory School and, at just 18 years old, was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1944. Assigned to the 38th Armored Infantry Battalion of the Seventh Armored Division ("The Lucky 7th"), he served as a machine gunner and saw heavy combat in northern France, the Ardennes, and the Rhineland region of Germany. In recognition of his service during the Battle of the Bulge, Ed was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for meritorious achievement.

After the war, Ed attended Manhattan College, where he earned a degree in Civil Engineering, and later went on to receive a master's degree in Civil Engineering from NYU. In 1952, he married Phyllis Francis Curran, who predeceased him in 1998. Together they raised six children: Carolyn George (Michael Wright), Robert Burke (Teresa Russo Burke), Virginia Burke, Nancy Frame (Robert Frame), Laura Alter (Tom Alter), and Veronica Isley (Alexander Isley). Ed was the devoted grandfather of Daniel, Lauren, Ryan, Meagan, Kailey, Mickey, Rachel, Leigh Anne, Patrick, Emily, John, Owen, Ruby, and Ella, and the proud great-grandfather of Lilawynn, Rose, Pierce, Evelyn, and Marcus.

After a 40-year career with Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers, contributing to significant and distinguished construction projects around the world, Ed retired as a partner in 1993. In retirement, he dedicated much of his time to volunteering at Holy Name of Jesus Church in Valhalla, serving as an usher and as a member of the "Bingo Boys," where he acted as both greeter and cashier and was often involved with parish maintenance and beautification efforts. He was an active member of the Valhalla Lions Club and American Legion Post 1083.

Ed lived his life guided by a deep faith in the teachings of Jesus Christ. A true gentleman in every sense, he was forever known for his kindness, generosity, and heartfelt concern for others. He always had a warm word to share, often with a touch of humor. and despite his many accomplishments, remained humble, low-key, and quietly generous.

Visitation will be held on February 16 from 3-6 p.m. at Ballard-Durand Funeral Home, 21 W. Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY. A Funeral Mass will take place on February 17 at 10 a.m. at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 2 Broadway, Valhalla, NY. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 10 W. Stevens Avenue, Hawthorne, NY. A luncheon will follow the burial; details will be shared once finalized.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Valhalla Lions Club or Valhalla American Legion, organizations close to Ed's heart.