In Memory: Richard F. Burke, Age 88

Richard F. Burke of Rye, NY, known as Dick, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on October 29, 2024. Born in Brooklyn, NY on March 12, 1936, he was the son of Richard and Anne (Corcoran) Burke. A graduate of Brooklyn Prep, the College of the Holy Cross and Fordham Law School, Dick served as an officer in the United States Navy upon graduation from college.

He began his career as a staff attorney for the Securities and Exchange Commission, transitioning to a successful and distinguished career on Wall Street. Dick became a member of the New York Stock Exchange in 1969 with White Weld & Co. Inc. and subsequently joined the Specialist firm of Henderson Brothers, ultimately serving as the firm’s President until his retirement in 2001. Dick acted as a Floor Governor of the New York Stock Exchange and was a member of the storied Stock Exchange Luncheon Club.

A generous supporter of his community and his church throughout his life, he was a member of the Cardinal’s Committee of the Laity, the Advisory Board of Casita Maria Settlement House and a loyal advocate of Brooklyn Jesuit Prep. Proudly elected a Knight of Malta and a Knight of the Holy Sepulchre, he was deeply committed to his faith and his local parish, the Church of the Resurrection in Rye. In addition he served as a Trustee at the Convent of the Sacred Heart Greenwich and as a Governor of the Apawamis Club. Dick was a proud alumnus of his alma maters and took every opportunity to stay connected to the institutions and his fellow graduates.

A loving husband and father, Dick is survived by his wife of 58 years Regina (née) Callagy, his sons, Richard Jr. (Julia), John (Julie) and Peter (May), and a daughter Lisa Fallon (Bill). Dick met Regina in 1964 in Manhattan and they spent almost six decades together devoted to each other. He was a loving Pop-Pop to his twelve grandchildren: Anne, Lucy, Judge, Rick, Ellie, Will, Charlotte, Billy, Daphne, Peter, Tommy and Vincent. He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters, Veronica and Rita, and a brother, Tom.

Dick will be remembered for his quick wit, his sage advice, his fabulous dance moves and his generous spirit. He loved to spend time with family and friends, whether in Rye or by the ocean in Watch Hill, Rhode Island at The Misquamicut Club. A passion for golf and squash garnered him lifelong friendships, particularly cherishing the rounds played with his fellow members of the Irish Open. A lover of words, music and Irish history, Dick was a true gentleman who made all feel welcome in his home and in his presence.

A Memorial Reception will be held Wednesday, November 6th from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the Apawamis Club in Rye, New York. A Mass of the Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Resurrection Church in Rye, New York on Thursday, November 7th.