Bell, FL – Dermot Carroll Burke, 83, of Bell, Fla., departed this life on Nov. 19, 2025, in a tragic car accident in Alachua, Fla.
Born in Worcester, Mass., on Dec. 23, 1941, he was the son of the late Gertrude and John Burke.
Dermot was known for having quite the quick wit. He was involved in racing harness horses for 20 years of his life and continued his interest as a Monday morning quarterback for a dear friend until his passing. He was thrilled to have visited Plainridge in 2022 to reconnect with many familiar faces, and to take one more trip to the winner’s circle.
After selling his last horse while living in New Jersey, he became an owner-operator for an air freight company. He moved to Florida in 2003, where he worked first as a school bus driver and later as a shuttle driver for a state veterans’ home. His daughter was involved in the Bell Purple Powerhouse Band, which fueled his love and commitment to being involved with the band boosters, for which he will always be remembered.
He was a grill aficionado who always saved room for applesauce and a slice of pie before settling in to watch the hummingbirds or heading out on his tractor to mow the 10 acres he called home.
Dermot is survived by his wife of 44 years Elaine Lagasse of Bell, Fla.; his daughter, Kristen Burke of Austin, Texas; his son Sydney Burke, daughter-in-law Lida Jazi, and grandson Amir Jazi-Burke of Irvine, Calif.; and his sisters Deirdre Clark of Marshall, Va., and Alanna Berra of Santa Fe, N.M.
A private memorial service will be held at the Suwannee River side.