Kevin Leo Burke

Kevin Leo Burke, 78, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2020. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and resided in Boston, Plymouth, MA, Clearwater, FL and most recently Sandy Springs, GA.

Kevin worked for the Boston Globe for 28 years, beginning as an apprentice in high school. Kevin and his family moved to Clearwater, FL in 1984, where he finished out his career at the Tampa Tribune. Kevin was a longtime volunteer at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and served in this role with great pride and distinction. He often shared stories of his time at CMA, including his participation in “Dolphin Tale” movie.

Kevin could often be seen on the beach talking with friends and handing out his homemade seashell keychains, never divulging his “secret spot” for finding such beautiful shells (North Beach and Sand Key!).

He is survived by his loving family: daughter, Amy Murphy (Mike) of Sandy Springs, GA and son, Jeff Burke (Sue) of Wheaton, IL, and four grandsons, Evan, Jason, Jack, and Finn. He is also survived by his brother Brendan Burke (Holbrook, MA) and nieces and nephew. He is predeceased by wife Carol (Notemyer) Burke and parents Joseph Leo Burke and Mary (English) Burke.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

A special thank you to the team at Sandy Springs Place and Hospice in Sandy Springs, GA.

A funeral mass will be held this Friday, June 12, 1:30 pm at Espiritu Santo Catholic Church, 2405 Phillipe Parkway, Safety Harbor, FL with a burial at Calvary Cemetery in Clearwater, FL.