Burke Family Genealogy & History

Clem Burke, born Clement Anthony Bozewski, was an iconic American drummer renowned for his work with Blondie, where he played from the band's inception in 1975 until his passing in 2025. His dynamic drumming style was influenced by legends like Hal Blaine and Ringo Starr. Beyond Blondie, Burke's illustrious career included stints with the Ramones, Eurythmics, and Iggy Pop, contributing to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006. He was also a pivotal member of bands such as the Romantics and the Empty Hearts, and his contributions to music were further recognized when he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Gloucestershire.

Clem Burke was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, to Clement J. Bozewski and Antoinette (née Terraciano). His father, a drummer playing in local clubs, imparted his passion and skills to Clem from a young age, setting the foundation for his future career in music.

Raymond Leo Burke, born June 30, 1948, is a prominent American cardinal of the Catholic Church known for his traditionalist views. He served as bishop of La Crosse and archbishop of St. Louis, later becoming the prefect of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura. Burke is a major advocate of the Tridentine Mass and has been a vocal critic of the post-1969 Mass of Paul VI. Throughout his career, he has been a significant figure within the Church's conservative wing, often clashing with Pope Francis on issues like LGBTQ rights and communion for divorced Catholics. His roles also included patronage of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and involvement with the Congregation for the Causes of Saints.

Raymond Burke was born in Richland Center, Wisconsin, as the youngest of six children to Thomas F. and Marie B. Burke. He is of Irish descent, with ancestry tracing back to counties Cork and Tipperary. His early education took place at St. Mary's Parish School, and the family later moved to Stratford, Wisconsin. Burke's ecclesiastical journey began at Holy Cross Seminary and continued at the Catholic University of America, where he earned degrees in philosophy. He later pursued theological studies in Rome, residing at the Pontifical North American College alongside future Church leaders.

Delta Burke McRaney, an acclaimed American actress, producer, and author, rose to fame with her role as Suzanne Sugarbaker in the CBS sitcom Designing Women, earning two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. Her diverse career includes television credits like Filthy Rich, Delta, Women of the House, and DAG, along with film appearances such as What Women Want and Broadway roles in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Steel Magnolias. Burke's career was marked by both critical acclaim and public attention, notably her publicized exit from Designing Women due to a dispute with co-stars and producers.

Delta Burke was born on July 30, 1956, in Orlando, Florida, to a single mother, Jean. She was later adopted by Frederick Burke, an Orlando realtor, after he married her mother. Delta has two younger siblings, Jonathan and Jennifer, and has never met her biological father.

Brooke Lisa Burke is a renowned American television and fitness personality, model, author, actress, and entrepreneur. Notable for hosting the E! Network's "Wild On!" and CBS's "Rock Star," she gained further fame as the co-hostess of "Dancing with the Stars" from 2010 to 2013. Burke also launched the successful fitness app "Brooke Burke Body" and co-founded the online community ModernMom.com. Her entrepreneurial ventures include BabooshBaby.com and a series of fitness DVDs. Her publications include "The Naked Mom" and "Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Joy of Less."

Born in Hartford, Connecticut, Brooke Burke was raised in Tucson, Arizona, as the younger of two siblings to Donna and George Burke. Her mother is of half Portuguese descent and was adopted and raised Jewish, while her father, of Irish and French descent, left the family when she was two. Burke was subsequently raised by her Armenian stepfather in the Jewish faith and continues to uphold this tradition with her children.