Obituary of Martin S. Burke

Martin S. "Marty" Burke, 90, of Bethel Park, formerly of Oakland, died Thursday, Aug. 25, 2016. Marty was the son of the late Martin and Bridget Coyne Burke, of Galway, Ireland. He attended school in Oakland - Cathedral Grade School and Central Catholic High School, enlisting in the Army Infantry (94th Division) in his senior year. He served actively during the waning years of World War II. Upon discharge, he continued his education at Duquesne University - securing his B.S. degree and later his Master in Education and Guidance degree from the University of Pittsburgh. While waiting for a teaching position, he joined the famous Ice Capades and skated for three years throughout Canada and the U.S. Beginning his teaching career, Marty taught at Fifth Avenue, St. Bernard's and finally, Baldwin-Whitehall. He also coached numerous sports from basketball and baseball to volleyball. He was also a PIAA official for more than 40 years. Upon retirement, Marty stayed very active - skating with the blind, golfing, bowling and skiing into his 80s. He also took part in training our seven collie dogs. Marty is survived by his wife, Marie (McCridden) Burke; his three children, Christopher T. Burke (Janet), Suzanne M. Brown (Kevin) and Daniel M. Burke (Darci); and his six grandchildren, Andy, Kathleen, Danny, Colleen, Ian and Jaden. Marty had five siblings, Mary Connolly, Cecilia McCabe and the late Ann Harper and Thomas and Joseph Burke. Friends received from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at McCABE BROS. INC. FUNERAL HOME, 6214 Walnut St., Shadyside. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Monday in St. Valentine Church, Bethel Park. Interment to follow in Queen of Heaven Cemetery.