George R. Burke

George Burke, or Uncle George to many, went on to be reunited with his wives, Brenda, Mary, and Margie; son, Scotty; and countless other loved ones, including 11 of his 12 siblings on Saturday, March 5, 2022, peacefully while surrounded by his family.

George was the youngest son of David Burke and Adeline Luker, born June 26, 1944, in Bayville. George lived the majority of his life in Double Trouble Village, first working the cranberry industry and then as a caretaker following his father’s retirement in 1964. George then worked for the State Park Service from 1977 until his retirement in 2006, living most of that time in a converted pickers’ cottage in the village. George was synonymous with Double Trouble, extremely knowledgeable about its nature, history, and folklore. He was always eager to share his stories with visitors, friends, and of course, his nieces and nephews and their children. George was a descendent of Thomas Luker and Unami Princess Ann Suncloud from the Turtle Clan of the Lenape Tribe, and very proud of his heritage and the land he was from.George was a humble man with a golden heart and a dry sense of humor. He loved his family and is survived by his oldest brother, David Burke; his children, Tracy Burke and Davey Rathel; nephew/like-a-son David Burke and wife Mary; his granddaughters, Ashley and Samantha Rathel; his ‘greatest’ niece, Ashlea Burke; great-grandson Grayson Scott; and numerous other nieces/nephews, great-nieces/nephews, family, and close friends.George will be remembered by his loved ones for being facetious, generous, his love for racing and classic country music, Double Trouble, and of course having a good time. George wouldn’t want anyone to mourn his life in sorrow, instead, a celebration of life will be held later in 2022. For now, take a walk in Double Trouble and think fondly of the man who was Double Trouble.