Kevin Burke, 82, of Alamo, died peacefully on January 8, 2008, in the loving embrace of his wife, Patricia, and his six children: daughter, Christine Landon of Danville; and his five sons, Kevin of Garden City, NY; Mark of Danville; John of Rome, Italy; Paul of San Diego; Philip of Oakland. His favorite son-in-law, Geoff Landon, was also present, as were his daughters-in-law, Ursula Burke and Doreene Burke. Kevin was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1925, where his family resided. His father was CEO of the U.S. Lines, which, at the time, was the main U.S.based transatlantic passenger line between the U.S. and European destinations. His family reflected the promise and opportunity that America offered 19th century immigrants. His paternal great-grandfather was an Irish immigrant who settled in Vermont in the 1840s as a farmer, and whose four sons went on to graduate from Middlebury College. Kevin, himself, attended Boston College in two stints: his first beginning in 1943 and interrupted by WWII. After completing a successful winning season as a tackle on the Boston College football team, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He served until 1946, distinguishing himself in the invasion of Guam in July 1944, a battle which preceded Iwo Jima. The Marines and the BC Eagles would prove to be a life-long source of pride, inspiration and elevated diversion. After the war, Kevin returned to Boston, met his wife, Patricia O'Connell, and graduated in 1950 with a degree in Finance. Following a brief experience in the shipping business, Kevin began his main business career working for Shell Chemical for 33 years, retiring in 1985. During the course of his business career, the family lived in Denver, New York, Houston and Walnut Creek, California. Upon his retirement, Kevin and Patricia lived for four years in Ashland, Oregon, before finally settling in Alamo. While a successful executive, Kevin's main focus was his children and grandchildren, or "his people" as he called them. He attended every game he could, critiqued every assignment you dared show him, and made sure you went to Church on Sundays. Locally, he was an avid fan of the De La Salle Spartans from which two of his children, Paul and Phil, graduated. He felt very blessed in his bounty of nine grandchildren, doting fondly on all nine: Jennifer Burke of Nashville, TN; Meaghan of Garden City, NY; Laura and Stephen Burke of Danville; Rachel and Gregory Landon of Danville; Parisa and Leeza Burke of San Diego; and Kevin Burke of Columbia, SC. Friends and family are invited to attend the Funeral Mass, Friday, January 11th, 2008 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Isidore's Catholic Church, 445 LaGonda Way, Danville. Vigil services, Thursday, January 10th at 6:00 p.m. at Wilson & Kratzer Chapel of San Ramon Valley, 825 Hartz Way, Danville. A life well-lived, a man well-loved! In lieu of flowers, the Family suggests that donations be made to the Irvin Deutscher Family YMCA, 350 Civic Drive, Pleasant Hill, CA 94523 (925) 687-8900. Wilson & Kratzer - Danville (925) 820-2999