Burke Ashley Young

Burke Ashley Young, aged 51, passed away Thursday, May 9th after a long battle with congestive heart failure.

A native of Fort Myers, Florida, Burke spent his formative years enjoying bike riding with friends, hunting, fishing, and excelling in the sport of baseball.  He played throughout high school and entertained several offers to play for a number of schools, including his beloved University of Miami Hurricanes.  However, he chose to pursue his love of the culinary arts and began working as a line cook shortly after high school.  With his passion for cooking, he quickly advanced to sous chef, before taking the position of Executive Chef for Bogart’s Steakhouse (later known as “The Ship” to locals) in Bonita Springs, Florida.

Due to the hectic life of the kitchen, Burke changed careers in the late 90’s to spend more time with his family, which had grown with the birth of his son, Jacob.  

Throughout the following years, he became a professional poker player and finally a Waste Water Management Plant Operator, a position he affectionately referred to as “Chief Turd Herder.”

Burke loved spending time with family, arguing with his sister over which Star Trek captain would have won in a fight (it’s Picard, by the way), pretending his middle name wasn’t “Ashley,” being a general menace with the boys on WEZ, playing and chatting on Discord, working with his friends at Florida Utility Solutions, eating grilled cheese sandwiches, and following all things Miami Hurricanes (even though they caused him no end of suffering these past few seasons).

Burke is survived by his parents, Robert and Donna Young; his sister, Heather Young; his son, Jacob Young; his daughter-in-love, Chelsi Fishel; and his two grandchildren, Autumn and Austin.

Per Burke’s wishes, there will be no formal services and the family will be taking his remains to his favorite childhood vacation spot, Crystal River.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Fort Myers, is entrusted with final care.