Burger Boat Company mourns the passing of Don O’Keeffe

Don O’Keeffe [Photo: burger Boat Company]

Manitowoc, Wisconsin-based Burger Boat Company today announced the passing of longtime Burger naval architect Don O’Keeffe, whose influence on the company’s engineering and yacht design legacy spanned decades.

O’Keeffe, who passed away at his home in Manitowoc at the age of 90, was widely respected for his exceptional technical expertise, quiet leadership, and unwavering commitment to sound naval architecture.

“Don was one of our first employees when we were reviving the business back in the early 1990’s”, said Jim Ruffolo, chairman of Burger Boat Company. “He brought integrity, discipline, and deep knowledge to everything he touched. He was a true advisor, a trusted source, and above all, a real friend. When he said something, you could always rely on it and take it to the bank. Don was a unique talent that had salt water in his veins, an artists’ touch in his hands, and the heart of a traditional sailor.”

“Don set the standard for what it meant to design responsibly and thoughtfully,”said Ron Cleveringa, Burger’s senior vice president of product portfolio management. “He cared deeply about the craft, about the boats, and about the people building them. I learned a great deal from Don over the years, and Burger is unquestionably better because of his work and his example.”

Current president and CEO Nick Siler emphasized the lasting legacy O’Keefe leaves behind.

“While I may not have worked directly with Don, it’s impossible to walk through our history without seeing his fingerprints everywhere,” Siler said. “His professionalism, humility, and dedication are among the golden threads woven through our company’s past, and they continue to shape our future at Burger. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones.”

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