Born in Detroit on May 25, 1931, Michael (Mickey) Burke was the youngest son of Cyril J. and Estelle Burke of Balfour Road in Grosse Pointe Park. He graduated from Malvern Prepatory School in Malvern, PA and then Villanova University in Villanova, PA.  After college Mr. Burke enlisted in the United States Marines Corps. where he was promoted to First Lieutenant.  He married Sharon Ann (Sam) Kelly in 1957 and they subsequently had four children: Kevin Michael (Amy Callaway), J. Kelly Burke Oliver (Peter Oliver), Brian Patrick (Carol Hagermoser), Sean Timothy (Kerryann Wallace).  Mr. Burke is survived by his wife, four children and eight grandchildren.

After leaving the Marines, he joined Cyril J. Burke, Incorporated, a company his father founded in 1927.  He eventually became President and Chairmen of the company that later became Burke Equipment Company and Burke Rental, Inc.  He was preceded in death by his older brother C. John Burke.

He was very active in charitable and social organizations including: Board Member (emeritus) Lourdes Nursing Home, Co-chairman (with wife) of Grosse Pointe Academy Action Auction, Member Otsego Ski Club where he served as the first Chairman of the Club’s Advisory Board of Directors, President of the St. John Hospital & Medical Center Men's Guild, Member of the Board of Michigan National Bank, Member of the Board of Michigan National Bank Leasing Company, Member of St. John Hospital & Medical Center Board of Trustees, President of Detroit Area Construction Equipment Dealers Association, Member of the Board of the Grosse Pointe Academy, Member of The Hundred Club, in 2007 Mr. Burke and his wife Sharon,  were named Distinguished Volunteers of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.  He was a Life Member of the Detroit Athletic Club, Member of the Country Club of Detroit, Member of St, Paul Catholic Church in Grosse Pointe Farms where he has resided with his loving wife of over 53 years until his death on May 13, 2011.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday May 18, 2011 at St. Paul Catholic Church on the Lake in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan.  Services will begin at noon with visitation in the Church at 11:00 AM.  Funeral Arrangements are being handled by Wm. R. Hamilton Funeral Home.   Donations can be made in memory of Mr. Burke to St. John Hospital Cardiology and St. John Hospice.