Former Capital Cities/ABC CEO Daniel Burke Dies

BURBANK: Daniel Burke, who served as president and CEO of Capital Cities/ABC, has passed away at the age of 82.

Burke died at his home in Rye, New York. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Harriet "Bunny" Burke, four children and 14 grandchildren.

Burke joined Capital Cities in 1961 as the general manager of WTEN-TV in Albany. He was elected VP in 1962 and beame general manager of WJR-AM/FM in Detroit in 1964. Burke went on to become executive VP and director of Capital Cities in 1967 and served as the president of the publishing division from 1969 to 1972. He became president and COO of the company in 1972, and was the president and CEO of Capital Cities/ABC from 1990 until his retirement in 1994.

Thomas S. Murphy, retired chairman and CEO of Capital Cities/ABC, commented: “Dan was a brilliant executive and my business partner for 33 years. He was also a friend whose intelligence and integrity greatly inspired those around him. Dan shaped the culture of the Company, with an emphasis on accountability, directness, irreverence and community service. He was serious and committed, with a wicked sense of humor that made every day more fun. The world is a better place for all he contributed.”

Robert A. Iger, the president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, added: “A gifted executive and natural teacher, and a man with a strong sense of right and wrong, Dan Burke led by example. He stood for integrity and directness in business, and encouraged a balance in work and family life, and involvement in one’s community. Dan had a significant impact on me and all those he touched, and for that I will always be grateful.”