Coplay Mayor Steve Burker died unexpectedly Oct. 19, sending shock waves through the borough and surrounding areas and prompting tributes lauding his service to the community as well as his reputation for being an all-around good person.

According to the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office, Burker, 74, died at home of natural causes.

Flags were flown at half-staff outside borough buildings through Wednesday.

Born and raised in Coplay, Burker dedicated his life to maintaining and even improving the quality of life for borough residents. This was evident through his involvement in countless events, whether they were new or traditional. He could be seen at many borough functions, and his presence did not go unnoticed or unappreciated.

Upon the news of Burker’s death, members of the community and friends of Burker and his family shared praise for the mayor, calling him, among many things, “a good man,” “an amazing man” and “one in a million.”

Coplay Borough and Coplay Police Department posted the following tribute: “Steve Burker leaves a legacy of selfless service and immense charity to his community. His loss is sure to be felt by all whether you knew him or did not. ... He will be missed not only in spirit, but in his commitment to what he felt was his duty to give back to the 1 square mile he loved.”

It was in this square-mile borough that Burker played sports — baseball and basketball — as a kid.

After attending Whitehall High School, Burker pursued a profession in the entertainment industry, following a passion for music and dramatic events. He founded a disc jockey business. His company allowed him the opportunity to meet organizations, musicians and other movers and shakers in the local music entertainment field.

In the community, Burker became involved in Coplay Town Watch and was instrumental in the group’s receipt of seven national awards from the National Association of Town Watch for outstanding National Night Out (NNO) Against Crime events. His music, skill and comments behind the microphone to attendees at those NNOs created a special atmosphere.

Burker became a leader of the annual Coplay Community Days festival, held at the end of August and continuing its tradition to this day. With the connections he developed over the years, he was able to assemble high-quality bands, great food and other aspects needed for a truly successful large festival.

Well-known local band The Aardvarks, which often kicked off Community Days each year and perform throughout the summer at Coplay Community Plaza, North Second and Chestnut streets, posted a tribute to Burker, expressing the band’s sadness after learning of his death.

“We consider ourselves very fortunate to have worked alongside of Steve for well over a decade, whether it was Coplay Community Days, the American Club or the gazebo,” it read. “Our thoughts are with Steve’s family, friends, as well as everyone in the borough of Coplay, which he loved so much. You will be missed by many, old friend.”

Burker eventually entered the political arena, earning an elected Coplay Borough Council seat. He also chaired borough council’s park and recreation committee and was instrumental in the development of Community Plaza and its summer concert series.

He brought Aqua Zumba classes to Parkway Pool and craft shows and family movies in the park to the borough.

When the borough mayor position was vacated in 2021, Burker, then a two-term councilman, successfully campaigned and won as a write-in candidate.

In 2018, Burker led a committee of borough residents to celebrate the athletic achievements of Whitehall High School alum Saquon Barkley, who had announced his intention, as a student at Penn State, to enter the NFL draft. Saquon Barkley Day was a major attraction, drawing national news media to the borough.

Earlier this month, Burker presided over the dedication of new lights at Sammy Balliet Stadium.

Burker was, by all accounts, Coplay’s biggest cheerleader. Social media continues to collect messages of praise and respect for him, as well as love and support for his family.

Coplay Legion’s Facebook post spoke of the profound loss of Burker in this community he loved.

“Steve was an ambassador of Coplay — a proud ambassador. His love of all things Coplay showed the rest of us in town how lucky we really are to live here, tight within our community. Coplay proud. Borough strong.”

Note from writer Bill Leiner Jr.: I was a friend and confidante of Stephen Burker for decades. Steve was a special, one-of-a-kind guy — a fun guy to be around. In all he did as an adult, especially as an elected official, he was humble and refused to take credit for his achievements, as he always credited others. Steve’s life resonates with Theodore Roosevelt’s statement — “the man in the arena.”