October 23, 2020

My sincere condolences to the entire Burke family. I’ve always had the greatest admiration for this man. There is no way I could ever repay for the blessing of having him for a coach, teacher, mentor and friend. Coach always took care of his players. He was a walk the walk kind of guy. I was fortunate enough to have stayed in touch with him after I graduated, calling on occasion just to say hello. Even years after graduation he was instrumental in helping me get through one of the toughest parts of my life. He truly cared. He was more than a coach, he was what all should strive to be. I’ve missed you since that day back in February when I herd of your passing and will continue to remember and miss you till we meet again. I’ll never ever forget what you told me one of the last times we spoke on the phone. Thanks just does not do justice for theinfluence you had on my life. Rest easy Coach !! “It’s great to be at the tech!!” Mark Smith
“Smitty” class of 83 

October 22, 2020

I remember the very first  practice of full contact.  I ran a sweep and  just got  layed  out. Coach Burke  came running  over I was still on my back. I remember  looking  up at him as he was smoking  his cigar and he said to me “welcome  to the f_ _ _ing tech”! Coach you  will be  missed! RIP
Denny Orendorff

May 14, 2020

So sorry that I had not heard about George’s death until last week. Thinking of you, Ginger, as you deal with the loss of your husband of many years. Maybe after the coronavirus is no longer a threat ( in the next few years!) we can get together for a widows’ lunch. 
Suzanne Schaudel

April 17, 2020

Dear Ginger, Sean & family.  Just yesterday, I heard of George’s passing and it deeply saddened me to hear this. I am grateful to have known George as a neighbor for a few short years. He was a friendly guy who loved to sit and chat. One time in particular stands out for me when he came over and sat by the River with me and my dad who is now 100 yrs old. George had a way of leaving you with a sole and something positive and interesting to remember. I pray that his family take comfort in the many good memories he left with us. Love and Blessings, Joanne

April 14, 2020

To the Burke Family,
You have our condolences. Mr. Burke taught me and 2 of my brothers at the Tech. I was also his colleague for at least 10 years at the Tech. I never forget his sincerity as a faculty member and my teacher. He always started class saying, “It’s a great day to be at the Tech.” I have to admit… I oftentimes catch myself saying those same words to my classes. He inspired me in different ways as a professor as well. I’ll never forget him saying to us (when he was a coach), “my team (football team) may not win a game this season; but they’ll never lose a fight… ” He said we have some real fighters on this team.” He was a great guy!
Rest  well Mr. Burke! 
Dr. Vince Miles AT ’87

April 14, 2020

Coach Burke,
Was more than a coach, he mentored many of us. To hold a standard in everything we do.
 
Ronald Sultzbach

March 31, 2020

Ginger & Sean, we are so sorry for your loss. I ‘m hoping all those positive memories will help you get through. 
Jim & Maureen Herr

March 22, 2020

I was very sad to hear about the passing of coach burke. I played for George at stevens. Coach was a inspiration to me that changed my life In so many positive ways. He was a lot of fun to be around, great guy he will be truely missed. My condolences to you and your family. Coach I will miss you. Rest In Peace CoachSteve Seber

March 21, 2020

I was very sorry to hear about George’s passing.I enjoyed being around him. He was always upbeat and loved to talk about football with me.Sean, I hope things are going well for you and your family. 
Mike Wildasin

March 20, 2020

Ginny,  I was sorry to learn of George’s passing from Roma. You and George were always responsive to my periodic wrapping on your door to ask for your support of my local political candidates. My condolences to you and your family. 
Jim Stager

March 19, 2020

I was very very sad to here about the passing of the man that influence so many young men like myself. Coach and I both grew up in the same county. The thing that I admired about coach Burke, he was a man’s man. Rest in peace  my brother.
Maurice Clack

March 16, 2020

I had George as a teacher at “The Tech” – late 70’s. Most memorable he was. Colorful and entertaining. Got to work with him years later @ Stevens – he had not changed! Good guy, many pleasent memories of him, he’ll be missed.
Kevin Flory

March 16, 2020

i am so sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Burke. He was definately an influence on many lives at Thaddeus Stevens College and will be missed by many. Even though i didnt see him much after graduation , he left an impression on my life and how i coach any sport. he used to always say ” Its a great day to be at the Tech”, and even though some took that as a pun i truly believe he meant that with all of his heart. Rest easy coach.
gordon mitchem

March 15, 2020

Ginger,
All my condolences to your family,was part of George’s football staff at Stevens from 1981-1986 great coach and person learned alot from him.
Phil York

March 15, 2020

Ginger and Sean, I was deeply saddened to hear of my good friend George’s passing. He was a very positive and indelible influence in my life, not only as a football coach but also as an English teacher.  He was the first coach to hire me and  was a true mentor to me as we spent a weekend at West Point learning the wishbone. As a student teacher, he was also a mentor to me as my cooperating teacher at Thaddeus Stevens College English Department. Much more than that though, he was a true friend and will be sorely missed. May God bless, Joe Wysock