George Burke Dies: Familiar Face in Virginia Politics

PHOTO: George Burke, the Communications Director for U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, died Friday.

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George Burke, a longtime friend to many in the government and political world in Northern Virginia, died Friday after a battle with cancer.

A spokesman for Northern Virginia Congressman Gerry Connolly (D-11th), he was also front and center at local debates and was chairman of the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee. He was also assistant to the general president for Media and Communications for the International Association of Firefighters for 15 years, from 1989 to 2004.

Burke also hosted a local political TV program, “Inside Scoop,” interviewing local politicians exploring the issues, that aired on Fairfax Public Access TV.

On Twitter, Burke described himself this way: “Communications Director for Congressman Gerry Connolly / 11th CD Chair DPVA / Professional Ski Instructor / former journalist / ski bum at heart.” Burke was a ski instructor at Liberty Mountain for the past 31 years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Connolly released a statement Saturday about the passing of Burke:

“Last night, we lost a dear friend and colleague, George Burke. Full of passion and energy, he dedicated his life to fighting for our progressive Democratic values. A trusted, wise and gifted political mind, George’s vision and leadership helped build and grow our Democratic Party of Virginia.

“A man of many talents, he was an accomplished journalist, photographer, congressional staffer, senior labor leader with the International Association of Fire Fighters, the Chair of the 11th Congressional District Democratic Committee, and my trusted confidant and Communications Director.

“For more than 30 years I have been fortunate to call George my close friend. We will all miss his stories, his unwavering optimistic approach to life, and his love for his friends and family. His loss will leave a great void in all our lives and I will miss him dearly. My thoughts are with his wife Sharon, and his three children Ian, Caitlin, and Sean.”