Originally from Albany, New York, Burke served in the Korean War, later earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Vermont and his MBA from Harvard Business School.
[1] He worked for General Foods in Albany for five years after leaving Harvard before joining Capital Cities.
[1] Burke became President of ABC following the merger, running the daily operations of the television network until his retirement in 1994.
His philanthropic efforts included serving as Chairman Emeritus of NewYork–Presbyterian Hospital and as director of Partnership for a Drug-Free America.
[1] Daniel Burke died at aged 82 from complications of diabetes at his home in Rye, New York, on October 26, 2011.