John F. Burke

John F. Burke born on May 28, 1940 of Holbrook and North Fort Myers, Florida, and formerly of Charlestown; passed away peacefully on August 8 after a brief illness. Johnny was the beloved husband of Mary Burke, to whom he was married for 49 years; devoted father of John F. Burke Jr. of Holbrook, Patrick J. Burke of Natick, Margaret B. Frost of Kingston and Mary Anne and her husband Briane Bullock of Fort Mill, South Carolina; and loving grandfather of Daley LoGrasso-Burke, Colm and Mairead Frost, William and Joseph Burke. Son of the late James and Catherine Burke, Johnny was the big brother of Winnifred Burke of Melrose, Maureen Linnane of Melrose, Kathleen Burke of Melrose, Brian Burke and his wife Mary-Ellen of Magnolia, Gerald Burke and his wife Dee of Stoneham, Matthew Burke and his wife Deborah of Charlestown, Carmel Ragucci and her husband Anthony of Stoneham. He was predeceased by his brothers James, Dennis, Eugene, and Mark Burke. Johnny is also survived by his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He will also be greatly missed by his faithful, four-legged companion, Lola.

Johnny served in the Army National Guard from 1959 until 1965. After his discharge Johnny met Mary, a young immigrant from Galway, Ireland in 1966. They were married in 1968. They moved to Holbrook in 1969 where they resided until his passing. Johnny and Mary spent many summers in their home in Galway before retiring and becoming snow birds in North Fort Myers, Florida. Johnny had a passion for golf, and he loved playing with family and friends. Johnny and his children played courses from Myrtle Beach, SC to the west coast of Ireland. Most of his rounds were played at Easton Country Club, where he was a member for many years and where he made his first hole in one (his second came shortly after in Port Charlotte, FL). Johnny retired in 2000 after 48 years with the Boston Globe and enjoyed many travel adventures with his bride Mary.

Funeral from the Hurley Funeral Home, 127 So. Franklin St. (Rt. 37), Holbrook on Saturday, August 12th at 9:15am followed by a funeral mass at St. Michael's Church in Avon at 10am. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Friday, August 11th from 4-8pm. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Braintree. In lieu of flowers, please donate to his favorite charity, Globe Santa, P.O. Box 55820, Boston, MA 02205.

Guestbook


First Name: Sheila
Last Name: (McInerney) Sterling
City: Holbrook
State: MA
Country:
Entry Date: 08/09/2017

Dearest Mary, John, Peggy, Patrick and Mary Anne,
I know there are no words that could ever fill the void left in your hearts. Johnny Burke was and always will be a huge part of the McInerneys life and memories. There was much laughter and a few Irish ballads belted out at 17 Rockwood when he was around. And now I do not doubt he and my dad are together again and ready to help you all get through the journey ahead. Let them carry you all as you have carried him in recent months. You all remain in our constant thoughts and prayers. Heaven certainly has another angel. Go Gently With much love All the McInerneys


First Name: Charlie
Last Name: McGonagle
City: Charlestown
State: MA
Country: USA
Entry Date: 08/10/2017

So sorry to learn of the passing of an old friend and grade school classmate. The entire Burke family is in my thoughts and prayers.

RIP John.


First Name: Denise
Last Name: Hirl Phelps
City: Sun Prairie
State: WI
Country:
Entry Date: 08/10/2017

Dear Mary and Family,

you and John were the 1st wedding I ever went to, and I will always remember that day. Together you have loved and lived the best of each other. I am so sorry for your loss.

Beannacht leat go bhfeicfidh me aris thu

Love,
Denise (Hirl) Phelps


First Name: Kate
Last Name: Sagan
City:
State: GA
Country:
Entry Date: 08/10/2017

Dear Mrs. Burke and family:

Will always have wonderful memories of Mr. Burke growing up. I remember babysitting for John, Pat, Peggy and Mary Anne and many late nights when Mr. Burke would drive me home; always a gentleman, always a good dad and so much fun in those years when we were growing up. Will be praying for you in your time of sorrow.

Kathleen


First Name: Sherre
Last Name: Bullock
City: Charlotte
State: NC
Country: USA
Entry Date: 08/10/2017

I have no words for how sad I feel for your family. I only hope that you take comfort from all those very fond memories you have. And look toward the heavens tonight for that new bright shinning star the one that God lights to show he has called home another one of his angels. Love to the family.


First Name: jeanmarie
Last Name: tarara
City: Holbrook
State: MA
Country: United States
Entry Date: 08/12/2017

Mary, so sorry to hear of John's passing. I just saw it now. Sorry I missed the wake and funeral. My prayers and sympathy go out to you and all the family. May God be with you! Jeannie


First Name: Fred and Paula
Last Name: Holland
City: Stoneham
State: MA
Country: USA
Entry Date: 08/13/2017

So sorry to hear of your loss. Our prayer are with you to help you remember all the good times and focus on peace within


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