Daniel J. Burke, Jr.

U.S. Navy
1952 - 1955
Korean War

Daniel J. Burke Jr. was born in Port Jefferson, NY on July 24, 1934. The son of Daniel and Catherine Burke, Danny, along with his siblings John, Catherine, William, and David spent his childhood in Mariners Harbor before moving to Port Richmond.

Danny attended St. Mary of the Assumption School and McKee High School, competing in track and field, winning medals which he proudly displayed. One day during class, Danny was staring out the window into the harbor at a navy ship when his teacher said, “Burke if you like looking at the ships, why don’t you go join the Navy?” Danny stood up, walked out of the classroom, and enlisted that afternoon. After completing basic training in Bainbridge, MD, Danny was stationed in Key West, FL where he met the love of his life Beverly Jo Bailey. He was sent to Charleston, SC, and he would hitchhike back and forth to visit his
sweetheart. Eventually he ended up back in Key West and they married in 1954.

Danny became a third-class quartermaster, serving during the Korean War on the USS Bushnell, PC 1263, SS Batfish and APL 54. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1955, Danny moved back to Staten Island with his wife and baby girl Catherine. They had three more children: Maureen, Daniel, and Kimberly. They purchased their home on Anderson Avenue in 1967 where Danny lived until he passed in 2016. The home still remains in the family today.

Danny worked for the City of New York, Office of the Comptroller for 40 years. He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and managed and coached several West Shore Little League teams. Danny was an avid Giants and Mets fan, but his number one priority was his wife, children, ten grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.


Sponsored by Kimberly Burke Giordano