David R. Burke, the leading voice in the lawrence Hibernian community for more than a half century, has passed away. He died late Wednesday night, May 27 at Caritas Holy Family Hospital in Methuen.

The Lawrence Eagle Tribune reports, Burke, who fought prostate and colon cancer in recent years, spent more than two weeks in Holy Family's intensive care unit after developing an infection after surgery, said Myles Burke.
Last week, friends recalled the tremendous intensity and dedication of the proud Lawrencian and true gentleman, who never forgot where he came from.
"The whole of Ireland is going to miss him. He's been a great friend to Ireland and a great friend to me in the 17 years since I came to Lawrence," said Colie Ryan, a County Fligo native who owns the Claddagh Restaurant & Pub at 399 Canal St.
A highly decorated and respected member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish group that promotes friendship, unity and true Christian charity, Burke was widely known for his efforts to promote peace in the Motherland.
"He was very well thought of in Ireland," said Frank Ford Jr., a close friend and fellow Hibernian, noting Burke's wake and funeral will draw mourners from around the country and from Ireland.
Burke's strong pride in his Irish heritage was "evident in his daily life," said Anne-Marie Nyhan-Doherty, president of the city's Ladies Order of Ancient Hibernians. "He once told me that if he didn't put in 40 hours per week in working in Ireland's behalf, he didn't feel that he did his job," she recalled.
The wake for Dave will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2-9 p.m. at the Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence St., Methuen, Massachusetts. The funeral mass will be Wednesday, June 30 at 11 AM at St. Patrick’s church in Lawrence.