LANCASTER, SC ~ Ronald Gary Burke, 78 of Lancaster, South Carolina passed away on January 30, 2022. He was born on May 7, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio to the late Milton Harold and Irene Loretta Burke (nee Lorko). He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Claudette (nee Flack); daughter Jenny Prete (Lou); grandchildren Louie, Matt and Sarah Prete. He was preceded in death by his brother Jerry Burke.

Visitation is 5 to 7 pm on Friday, February 4, 2022, at Burgess Funeral Home in Lancaster.

Funeral mass is 11:00 am, Saturday, February 5, 2022, at St. Catherine of Sienna Catholic Church in Lancaster. Mass will be officiated by Fr. Javier Heredia.

Mr. Burke graduated high school from West Technical High School in Cleveland and college from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio. He held graduate degrees from Ashland University and Cleveland State.

Mr. Burke treasured his family. Claudette was the love of his life; they were together for over 66 years after meeting at Wilbur Wright Junior High. After college, Ron and Claudette got married and started a family. He loved his daughter Jenny, son-in-law Lou, and his grandchildren. He took pride in all their accomplishments. He especially enjoyed attending soccer games, track meets, swim meets, and gymnastics competitions to cheer on his grandchildren.

Mr. Burke retired from Maple Heights City Schools, in Maple Heights, Ohio in 1995. He spent his entire 30-year career as an educator in Maple Heights, as a teacher, coach, principal, and assistant superintendent.

Mr. Burke was a Lifetime Member of the Professional Golfer's Association (PGA). He was the Head Golf Pro at Boston Hills Country Club in Ohio for 40 years. After relocating to Lancaster in 2006, he worked as the Club Professional at Lancaster Golf Club. Golfing and coaching were his passions; he loved teaching and mentoring others and taught lessons for many years both in Boston Heights, Ohio and Lancaster, South Carolina.

Mr. Burke was a member a St. Catherine Church and joined the Knights of Columbus, rising to the level of Fourth Degree.

Mr. Burke became an avid Clemson fan after his daughter attended school there. He was a supporter of the Lancaster County Clemson Club through the Big Thursday golf tournament.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Lancaster County Clemson Club, Attn: Rodney Thomas, 2010 Havenwood Drive, Lancaster, SC 29270. Please note in the memo line "in memory of Ron Burke."