Patrick Leonard Burke

Surrounded by his family, on March 12, 2022, in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, Patrick Leonard Burke, one of this earth’s many beautiful souls, after a battle with cancer, had left our physical world and journeyed into the most cherished and everlasting place of our hearts and minds. For the many who loved him for his indefatigable optimism, his loyal friendship, his commitment to community service, and his warmhearted generosity, the world is a little less bright, a little less hopeful, and much lonelier …for now. While our grief is still so fresh and intense, Patrick would not want us to be mired in our grief for long. If all who miss him strive to be a little more like Patrick, then we can continue what Patrick accomplished--to leave this world better, richer, and kinder for our presence in it. We owe it to Patrick to try.

Patrick was born in Royal Oak, MI, on April 20, 1967, to David Burke and Charlene Magee. Soon the family moved to Richmond, VA, where Patrick would spend the remainder of his childhood and the beginning of his adult life. Three years later, Patrick’s younger brother Neal, was born; and thus the adventures of the Burke brothers began. They spent their free time swimming, exploring, riding bikes, creating their own repurposing business (before repurposing was a thing) --selling golf balls discovered at the Brandermill Country Club near their home; and they enjoyed playing lots of basketball.

Patrick made many of his lifelong friends while living in Brandermill--Hunter Webb, Danny Reed, Robert Cooley, James Greer, Gib Carson, Greg Elms, and Barry Barbernell. Together, Patrick and his friends enjoyed Grateful Dead shows, annual snow skiing adventures, frequent trips to the beach, and hanging out at “that house on Marshall Street” in Richmond.

After graduating from Clover Hill High School with many of his friends, Patrick attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in small business administration.

After college, Patrick spent a few years volunteering in an after-school program in the Gilpin Court neighborhood of Richmond. That experience led him to eventually working as a director at Carver Promise--a program for the inner-city youth of Richmond that mentored and motivated students from elementary through high school to stay in school until they graduated with the promise that they would continue to receive the organization’s support throughout their college education.

On one serendipitous day, Patrick, while visiting a Carver Promise student who was a patient at the Medical College of Virginia Hospital, had a chance meeting with YThanh, a beautiful, third-year medical student while waiting for an elevator. Patrick, being the friendly, helpful guy that he was, generously offered this future doctor his services as a tour guide to his hometown of Richmond.

Patrick and YThanh’s relationship flourished over time; and when she moved to San Diego, CA, for her residency, Patrick moved with her. Soon after the big move, Patrick made what he called the best decision of his life and married the lovely doctor. YThanh and Patrick enjoyed eighteen years of a marriage that was a true loving partnership.

In 2006, their daughter Clarissa was born; in 2009, their son Theodore completed their family. Patrick shined as a father--active in his kids’ many endeavors and a frequent volunteer at their school, Carden Arbor View School, in Upland, CA. He was a ubiquitous presence at Clarissa and Theo’s many activities--music lessons (piano, violin, and voice), swim lessons, soccer, and community theater. Sometimes, Patrick participated along with his kids--in community theater and sessions with their fitness trainer. Patrick found immense joy in watching his kids thrive and grow in the endeavors they loved.

Long after his move to California, Patrick kept his finger on the pulse of his hometown. He continued to read the Richmond Times-Dispatch regularly and followed his beloved VCU Rams men’s basketball team with great interest. On many occasions, Patrick would inform his Richmond area friends and family about timely events happening in Richmond before they knew about them themselves.

Patrick is survived by his wife, YThanh Duy Nguyen; his daughter, Clarissa An Burke; and his son, Theodore Quang Burke. He is also survived by his mother, Charlene Magee, and his stepfather, Ron Magee (both of N. Chesterfield, VA). In addition, he is survived by his brother, Neal Burke (wife--Jill) of Midlothian, VA; his stepbrothers: Mike Magee (wife--Lynn) of Midlothian, VA, and Chris Magee of Richmond, VA. Furthermore, he is survived by many nieces and nephews: Bridget Burke, Riley Magee, Aidan Magee, Emma Williamson, and John Williamson.

Patrick is also survived by his father and mother in-law, My Thi Luu and Danh Duy Nguyen, both of Rancho Cucamonga, CA; sisters in law: My-Dung Nguyen and family, of VungTau, Vietnam, Karen Schmidt and family, of Austin, TX, AnhThu Nguyen and family, of Westminster, CA; Lien Vo and family, of Montclair, CA; brother-in-law: Chinh Nguyen and family of Garden Grove, CA.

Patrick is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, the many friends he left behind.

Patrick was preceded in death by his father, David Burke; his maternal grandmother, Laverna LaFortune.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to one of the charities favored by Patrick and his wife: Abundant Living Outreach (9269 Utica Ave # 175, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730); Claremont Community School of Music (951 West Foothill Boulevard, Claremont, CA 91711), https://www.claremontmusic.org; and Communities in Schools of Richmond (100 Everett Street #2, Richmond, VA 23224), https://www.cisofrichmond.org . Also, to honor Patrick’s memory, please consider volunteering in your own community so that we can all continue Patrick’s example of service to others. And start planning a trip to somewhere you have always wanted to go. Take your best memories of Patrick with you.

Patrick’s Celebration of Life will be on Wednesday, March 23rd at La Villa Bella, 792 West Arrow Highway, Suite B, Upland, CA 91786, from 11 am to 3pm. Service will start at 11:30 am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stonefuneralhomeupland.com for the Burke family.