David Harlow Burks, age 67, of Harleysville, entered into his eternal resting place, on Monday, January 10, 2022. He was the beloved husband of Marie Eileen (Cherico) Burks, with whom he shared over 44 years of marriage.

Born November 9, 1954, in Houston TX, he was a son of the late Daniel Stephen, Jr. and Mildred Jean (Harlow) Burks.

David spent his early years of life with his family in Texas where he cherished time spent with his loved ones, especially his brother and close cousins.  His family moved to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania when he was a teenager. He attended Upper St. Claire High School where he developed lifelong friendships. Competitive by nature, David pursued a career in football throughout high school and college. As a recipient of a four-year football scholarship at Clarion State College, Clarion, Pennsylvania, David thrived as a linebacker. He valued comradery whether it was on the football field, in his fraternity, Sigma Tau Gamma, or with his friends and family. He met his beautiful wife, Eileen, in college where they enjoyed swimming in the Clarion River, hiking through Cooks Forest and enjoying Sunday dinners at the Cherico family home. They married on August 27, 1977, at the Immaculate Conception Church, Clarion, Pennsylvania.

David began his career at Electronic Data Systems in Chicago, Illinois. He continued to pursue his career at Lockheed Martin, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania where he worked on Homeland Security and traveled internationally. David received the President's Award while serving his corporation on behalf of our country. He retired as a Systems Analyst for the Satellite Division.

David was blessed with a large and loving family. He helped raise his children with patience, discipline, and humility. He was a "dedicated school paper editor, a fierce coach, a soft shoulder, a listening ear and a moral compass." He served as a proud and outspoken coach with Harleysville Baseball/Softball, SHYBA Basketball and Harleysville Soccer Club. As a grandfather, known as Papa, to his eleven grandchildren, David enjoyed the beautiful chaos, the laughter and the snuggles. A few of David's favorite pastimes with his little loves include fishing, crabbing, building sandcastles, playing chess, monster hunting, college visits, facetiming, baseball games and dance recitals.

David welcomed friendships of all kinds. He loved hard. He loved many. He was accepting. David loved this great country, the United States of America, and valued those who have fought to preserve our freedom.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Christie Marie Riccobono and her husband, Frank, David Joseph Burks and his wife, Angela, Melissa Marie Banes and her husband, Thomas, and Jonathan Michael Burks; grandchildren, Victoria Elizabeth Burks, Frank Ryan, Gavin Anthony and Nicholas John Riccobono, Daniel Joseph, Everett David and Hadley Jane Burks, Joseph Thomas, Gianna Marie, Melania Marie and Anthony Michael Banes; brother, Daniel Stephen Burks and his wife, Janet; and mother-in-law, Ann N. Cherico. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Daniel Frederick Burks; father-in-law, Joseph William Cherico; and brother-in-law, Bruce Samuel Cherico.

Funeral services for David will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, January 15, 2022, at LCBC Church, 100 Main Street, Harleysville, PA 19438, where the family will greet guests from 10:00 – 10:45 AM. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in David's name may be made to www.samaritanspurse.org , specifically Operation Christmas Child and Wounded Warrior Project to bring independence back to our Nation's most severely wounded veterans.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.williamsbergeykoffel.com .