George Burke (right) with U.S. rep. Gerry Connolly at Burke’s annual ‘Halfway to St. Patrick's Day’ event. Courtesy photo
A Close Friend
U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11):
"For more than 30 years I have been fortunate to call George my close friend. We will all miss his stories, his unwavering optimistic approach to life, and his love for his friends and family. His loss will leave a great void in all our lives and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his wife Sharon, and his three children Ian, Caitlin, and Sean."
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova:
“George has been the most wonderful friend, supporter and fighter for our party. We have all benefitted from George's good heart, wise advice and stalwart support. The world is a better place thanks to the contributions George has made.”
George Burke, longtime Communications Director and trusted confidant of U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-11), passed away Saturday at his home after a long battle with cancer. He was 64.
Mr. Burke was born in the Bronx, N. Y. in 1951. He attended the University of New Hampshire, where he met his wife, Sharon. They were married in 1973.
Full of energy and passion, Burke began his journalism career doing freelance work as both a writer and photographer for the Associated Press, Newsweek, Discover and Yankee Magazine. In 1974 he was hired by Foster’s Daily Democrat, where he would work for more than five years and become the State Editor and Exeter Bureau Chief. During this time, Burke won numerous awards including, “Best News and Story of 1978” from the New England Press Association.
In 1979, Burke relocated to Northern Virginia, where he would live the next thirty-six years, after accepting a position with Congressman Norman D’Amours (D-N.H.) as his Communications Director. Burke would go on to serve as Communications Director to Congressman James H. Scheuer (D-N.Y.) for two years from 1985-1987. During this time he served three terms as President of the Association of House Democratic Press Secretaries.
In 1987, Burke left Capitol Hill to become the Director for the Department of Public Relations and Communication for the International Association of Fire Fighters, a union representing more than 300,000 professional firefighters. In 2000, he was promoted to assistant to the general president for communications and media under then President, Alfred K. Whitehead, and held this position until his retirement from the IAFF in 2004. In the days and weeks following the September 11 terrorist attacks, Burke worked with national media on the IAFF's response to the 9/11 disaster and continued to be a tireless advocate for our first responders throughout his life.
Burke returned to Capitol Hill in 2009, to serve as Congressman Gerald E. Connolly’s (D-11) Communications Director for more than three terms.
In addition to his professional roles, Burke was a leader within the Democratic Party of Virginia whose vision helped grow the state and local party. He was elected Chair of the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee in 2005 and served in this capacity until his death. He also served as an advisor to numerous campaigns throughout Northern Virginia. In addition, Burke served as a Press Officer for the Democratic National Conventions in 1980 and 1988.
A life-long ski enthusiast, he travelled to Europe, Jackson Hole, and all over New England to pursue his sport. He was a licensed ski instructor and taught at Ski Liberty for many years. Burke also hosted a local political TV program, “Inside Scoop,” interviewing local politicians that aired on Fairfax Public Access TV.
Burke is survived by his wife of 42 years, Sharon, and their three children, Ian, Caitlin, and Sean. A memorial service will be announced at a later time.