Thomas J. Burke, 76, of 84 Crookerhouse Lane, passed away Tuesday, February 13, 2018 at the Pavilion at BRMC.
Born August 11, 1941 in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Thomas J. and Sophia (Polishuk) Burke, II.
On May 23, 1970 in St. Francis of Assisi Church in Bradford, he married Rosemary (Ulyan) Burke, who survives.
After graduating from St. Bernard High School in 1959, he attended Duquesne University.
Tom entered the Ironworker apprentice program, becoming a journeyman ironworker in 1962. He enjoyed working on many projects, including the Vehicle Assembly Building at Cape Canaveral (Kennedy), Three Rivers Stadium in Pittsburgh, Basketball Hall of Fame in Indianapolis and many local projects, including the Kinzua Dam, FCI-McKean and UPB.
He was a member of Ironworker Local #772, Clearfield, and retired after 45 years of service. He served as Vice President of the Local for two years and also served on the executive board.
He was a dedicated outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, hunting, boating and nature photography. His love of nature was apparent in almost every conversation.
He was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates and his beloved Buffalo Bills.
He was a member of St. Bernard Church, where he volunteered for CCD. He was a driver for Meals on Wheels and a member of the NRA.
In addition to his wife Rosemary of 47 years, he is survived by two daughters, Kelly Anne (Michael) Malkamaki and Kathleen Marie Burke, all of Cleveland, OH; thrilled to be ‘Poppy’ to his granddaughter, Charlotte Malkamaki; three sisters, Patricia (Ted) Hendrickson of Waynesville, NC, Rose Mary Burke of Pasadena, MD and Margaret Shuey of St. George, SC; a nephew, Greg; two nieces, Christiana and Stephanie; one grand nephew, David; two grand nieces, Aaron Leigh and Olivia, and one brother-in-law, Greg (Karen Montouri) Ulyan.
Friends are invited to call from 2-4 and 6-8 PM, Friday, February 16, 2018 in the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes, 33 South Ave., where a prayer service will be held at 9:30 AM, Saturday, February 17, 2018, followed by a 10 AM Mass of Christian Burial in St. Bernard Church, with Rev. Raymond Gramata, pastor, as Celebrant. Mausoleum entombment will be in St. Bernard Cemetery.
Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the St. Bernard Church, Building Fund, McKean County SPCA, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences, if desired, can be made at www.hollenbeckcahill.com