Ronald "Ron" Burke

Ronald “Ron” Burke, age 59, of Middletown, DE, passed away on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Born in Livermore, CA on June 29, 1965, he was a son of the late Richard and Margaret (Flaherty) Burke. Ron was raised in a very loving, Catholic home with his three brothers. His mother instilled in them the importance of family values which is evident in all of their lives today. Ron made his career as a pipefitter. An avid sports enthusiast, Ron enjoyed ice hockey, skiing, and golf. He and his wife, Carol would compete in their own annual golf tournament on Memorial Day, and the loser would pay for a weekend getaway. Ron was very competitive and loved getting together for family game nights. Whether it was a game of cards or watching the younger kids play Twister, he always had a big smile on his face when the family gathered around the table to play games. Anyone who knew Ron knew he was a MASTER puzzler. He always claimed to have found the most puzzle pieces, every piece he found had to be announced. Ron loved to travel to new places, but one of his favorite destinations was Massanutten in the Shenandoah Valley, just to play golf and swim. In his spare time, he loved to go boating, or check on the stock market. Ron was quite talented when it came to home repairs and renovations. In September of 2017, he and Carol purchased a fixer-upper and immaculately remodeled it. Later, they built a home in the Ponds of Bayberry where they loved to relax by the pool with their favorite neighbors “The Ponders.” Ron will be remembered by his family and friends as a kind, reliable, and loving man who always had a warm smile. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Margaret Burke. He is survived by his loving wife, Carol Soldau-Burke; stepchildren, Tonia Sawyer (Phil), Jasmine Hildabrant, and Jason Hurlock (Amanda); siblings, Richard Burke (Kathy), Russel Burke (Vickie), and Rodger Burke (Carol); 9 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren; 8 nieces and nephews; and beloved dog, Lexie. A visitation for family and friends will be held from 11 am until 12 pm on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 275 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 12 pm. Inurnment will be held privately.

Ronald "Ron" Burke

June 29, 1965 - January 9, 2025