Celebrating the life of Emmett M. Burke, Jr.

Celebrating the life of Emmett M. Burke, Jr.
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 4, 2026
WHEREAS, Emmett M. Burke, Jr., a respected entrepreneur and devoted community leader in Richmond, died on February 5, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Emmett Burke, affectionately known to family and friends as “Spike,” grew up in Richmond and graduated from Armstrong High School, where he excelled in athletics; and
WHEREAS, Emmett Burke continued his education at what is now Virginia State University, until he was drafted into the United States Army; he served his country with honor and rose to the rank of sergeant; and
WHEREAS, Emmett Burke returned to the Commonwealth after his military service and pursued a career in retail, working as an operations manager for the Thalhimers department store chain and for Carter Hawley Hale Stores, Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Emmett Burke ultimately established Burke's Painting and served the community as a business owner until his passing; and
WHEREAS, Emmett Burke was an active volunteer who worked diligently to enhance the quality of life in Richmond and give back to those in need; and
WHEREAS, Emmett Burke will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his wife of 43 years, Cheryl; his sons, Emmett and Edmund, and their families; and numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Emmett M. Burke, Jr., a highly admired member of the Richmond community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Emmett M. Burke, Jr., as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for his memory.