Robert E. Burke of Charlottesville, VA, formerly of Taos, NM and Bethesda, MD, died peacefully on October 8, 2024 with loved ones by his side. Born on July 26, 1934, Bob was the only child of Margaret Kathryn (Meudt) and Norman Thomas Burke. He grew up in Rochester, NY and from an early age was curious about science, music, and the world around him. He was awarded a full scholarship to attend St. Bonaventure University, graduating in 1956, and then earned his MD with honors from the University of Rochester in 1961.

While in medical school Bob discovered his passion for research working with his mentor, Dr. Wilbur K. Smith, and he met and married his first wife, Mary Patricia “Trish” Donovan. He completed post-graduate training at Massachusetts General Hospital, then the family moved to Bethesda where he began his 41-year career in neurophysiology at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). A committed scientist, he found great satisfaction mentoring and sharing his love of research with younger colleagues.

Bob and Trish raised their four children in Bethesda. Bob’s enthusiasm for travel and adventure led the family on numerous journeys: camping and beach trips throughout the U.S., trips abroad, and extended periods in Sweden, Mexico, and Japan. His passions included exploring nature through hiking, biking, skiing, and sky watching, and home-based activities like listening to all genres of music and daily consumption of The Washington Post. He fell in love with classical music as a child, and by 14 taught himself to play the piano, becoming an accomplished pianist who filled the family home with music. He was a true scientist to his core, with an infinite curiosity about the natural world, from single-cell beings to the stars in our galaxy and beyond.

Together, Bob and his children weathered the tremendous loss of Trish, who died in 1993 after a brief illness. A few years later, Bob found happiness again in his second marriage to Janet (Brackensiek) Majerus. They retired to Taos, where they enjoyed the natural beauty and lively arts scene. Life in Taos enabled Bob to continue his passions for downhill skiing and astronomy. He was also an enthusiastic patron of the Taos School of Music, supporting the ongoing education of young musicians. In 2018 Janet died unexpectedly, and two years later Bob moved to Charlottesville, VA to live with family.

Bob is survived by his four children and their spouses: Mary Kay Burke and Charlie Ferranti, David Burke and Leigh Cohen, Jean Burke and Andrew Frye, and Christina Burke. He is also survived by grandchildren: Jacob Nadkarni and Jessi Nadkarni, Luke Nadkarni, Daniel Nadkarni, and Declan Ferranti; and his great-grandson, Jordan Nadkarni. Other survivors include his beloved in-laws, Maggie O’Neil Donovan, and Mary Ellen and Kevin Huennekens, as well as his former son-in-law and lifelong friend, Mohan Nadkarni.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, friends consider donations to the Taos School of Music (https://taosschoolofmusic.com/donate/) or the Sea Turtle Conservancy (https://conserveturtles.org/support-stc-make-a-donation-to-stc/).

For more on services and to share your condolences, visit Hill and Wood Funeral Service.