Richard John Burke

BURKE, Richard John – Age 68, of Linden, passed away Saturday, March 7, 2026. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Thursday, March 12, 2026, at the Chapel of Holy Innocents at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, 600 N. Adelaide St., Fenton. Fr. Robert Copeland celebrant. Burial in Fairview Cemetery, Linden. Visitation and rosary will be held at the church Thursday from 10:00 AM until the time of the Mass. In lieu of flowers, those desiring may make contributions to Kentucky Race Track Chaplaincy (https://kychaplaincy.org/donate).

Rich was born on April 25, 1957, in Jersey City, New Jersey, to John Thomas Burke and Marie Cecelia (Sheedy) Burke. He graduated from San Dimas High School in San Dimas, California, in 1975 and later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona.

Rich and Patti moved to Linden, Michigan, in June of 2025 after relocating from Versailles, Kentucky. Rich had a love of Thoroughbred racing from childhood and founded Marjac Farms in 1998. Named for his mother and father, Marie and Jack, Marjac Farms went on to breed and race dozens of Thoroughbred horses. Marjac Farms, in partnership with his close friends, bred numerous stakes winners, including two-time Breeders’ Cup Sprint Champion and 2007 American Champion Sprinter, Midnight Lute. Rich had a passion for horse racing and took great joy in using it as a way to gather friends and family for lifelong memories of fun and excitement.

Surviving are his wife, Patti; his son, Steven Burke and his wife, Casey, of Fenton; his grandchildren, Teddy and Josie Burke; his siblings, Jack Burke and his wife, Sharon, of Freeport, FL; Denise Russell and her husband, Rich, of Carson City, NV; Patty Powers and her husband, Greg, of Carson City, NV; Brian Burke and his wife, Michele, of Carson City, NV; Kevin Burke of Birmingham, AL; and Joe Burke and his wife, Cori, of Reno, NV; as well as several beloved nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Marie Burke; and infant sister, Lynn Marie Burke. Tributes may be shared at www.sharpfuneralhomes.com.