Dave Burke Way unveiled in Lawrence as Tribute to Local Civic & Irish-American Leader

The Burke Family with Mayor Rivera

On November 4, the City of Lawrence unveiled a special street sign honoring the late David R. Burke (1940-2009), a civic and community leader in Lawrence as well as an nationally recognized leader in the Irish-American community.

Mayor Dan Rivera joined Dave's family and friends for the dedication, near St. Patrick's Church where Dave was a parishioner and across the street from where Dave ran a successful gift shop called Irish Jaunting Car for many years.

Dave's wife Pat Burke and son Kevin spoke about Dave's love of Lawrence and his commitment to making the city a better place for everyone.  Bill Sullivan, president of AOH Division 8 and longtime friend and colleague of the Burkes, recalled Dave's influence on the national and world stage as a thoughtful and committed leader on the issue of Northern Ireland's peace process.

Father Paul O'Brien, pastor of St. Patrick's, led the gathering in prayer, City Councilor David Abdoo led the Pledge of Allegiance recitation, and Frank O'Connor sang "God Bless America."

Read In Memoriam on Dave Burke.

Mayor Rivera presented a Proclamation issued“to posthumously honor Dave Burke for his lifelong commitment and significant impact to the Lawrence community…we thank him for making Lawrence better.”

The proclamation also praised Burke for dedicating “his life to the service of others” on behalf of Lawrence’s International Institute, the Immigration City Archives, Lawrence Heritage State Park, Lawrence Cultural Alliance, North of Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau, Merrimack Chamber of Commerce and Lawrence Public Library.

See Full copy of Proclamation below.