David E. Burke

David E. Burke age 88, beloved husband for 58 years of the late Theresa (née Cerrito); loving father of Carrie and Matthew (wife Anthea) Burke; beloved GPa of Francesca, Alexandra, and Madeleine; cherished son of the late Edwin and Adele (née Egan); dearest brother of the late Robert (wife Jane); dear brother-in-law of Anthony Cerrito.

David E. Burke was born on November 3, 1937, in Chicago, Illinois. Dave and his twin brother, Robert, were adopted by their parents, Edwin and Adele Burke in early 1938 and grew up in Jackson Heights, New York. Dave graduated from high school in 1955. He attended the University of Dayton where he met Theresa Cerrito, his wife of 58 years. Dave graduated from the University of Dayton in 1959 and was a 1962 graduate of Case Western Reserve School of Law. Dave was a resident of Gates Mills since 1966 and prior to that Cleveland Heights. He worked as real estate attorney for the Cleveland Electric Illuminating Company for 30 years and then practiced law at Taft, Stettinius and Hollister. He served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve JAG office. He enjoyed playing tennis with his family and friends, playing bridge with his gang and tending to his yard. His wife loved to decorate for the holidays so he became a reluctant expert at putting the Christmas tree in the stand so that it was just “right” until he realized that he could outsource that task to others. He was active in the Gates Mills community serving as a city councilman, supporting the Gates Mills Historical Society and lending his talents to the Gates Mills Players, either on stage or behind the scenes as business manager. He enjoyed traveling with Terry to Europe, either as a chaperone for her high school French students or together to Italy. He was an avid, long-suffering Cleveland sports fans and enjoyed watching (and offering his assessment of) the Guardians (“they can’t hit”), Browns (“they need a quarterback”) and Cavaliers (“they dribble too much”). He saved his most passionate fandom for his three granddaughters. Whether for flag football, dance recitals, musicals, orchestra concerts or choir concerts, we always saved a seat for GPa. From pre-school through high school, he was their devoted chauffeur home from school. Rides home included a piece of candy, some cool jazz and quiet time for a nap. Dave was a devoted husband, father and GPa whose love, kindness, caring and presence were a gift to all that knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of David to The Gates Mills Historical Society, P.O. Box 191, Gates Mills, OH 44040.

Family and friends are requested to meet for Mass of Christian Burial Friday, May 22, 2026 at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church at 11:30 AM. Please meet at church.

Burial following with Military Honors at Lake View Cemetery.

Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of David at THE DeJOHN FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATIONS CENTER OF CHESTERLAND 12811 CHILLICOTHE ROAD (Rt. 306, just south of Mayfield Rd.) Thursday, 5-7PM.