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The Honorable Stephen J. Burker was pronounced dead from natural causes in his home on Saturday, Oct. 19, Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio detailed in the release.
"His loss is sure to be felt by all, whether you knew him or did not," the Borough of Coplay posted on its Facebook page.
Burker leaves behind a "legacy of selfless service and immense charity to his community," the Facebook post states.
A former borough councilman, Burker headed up the park and recreation board before taking the position of mayor in 2021, according to the post. Burker campaigned and won as a write-in candidate.
He chaired and co-chaired the Coplay Community Days fundraiser and oversaw other charity and campaign fundraising events, the post said.
"Steve made Coplay Community Days what it is today, from a one-day affair to a three-day event!" one community member responded under the post.
"Steve, you were a GIANT in the community, and you will be terribly missed!" the community member added. "Godspeed, so proud to call you friend! Watch over your acre with pride and satisfaction. Job WELL done!"
"He will be missed not only in spirit but in his commitment to what he felt was his duty to give back to the one square mile he loved," the borough said in its post.
Flags at all borough buildings in and around Coplay will remain at half-staff in Burker's honor until Wednesday, Oct. 23, the borough's Facebook post states.
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