Dr. John Michael Burke

BURKE - Dr. John Michael, of Copiague, L.I. on July 12, 2008. Professor of Organic Chemistry at St. Francis College, Brooklyn, N.Y. for 60 years. Dr. Burke was Chairman of the Science Division and head of the Chemistry Department at St. Francis College. He attended St. Francis Prep and St. Francis College earning a B.S. in Chemistry and received his Masters from N.Y.U. and his PhD from St. John's University. Dr. Burke was best known for his research in chemically purifying and identifying toxins in red tides, clams and mussels. Before his teaching career, Dr. Burke worked for ITT Development and General foods Research Laboratories. Teacher, scientist, avid fisherman and traveler, Dr. Burke is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Mary, his loving children Mary Jo Chiara, John Burke, Thomas Burke, Marguerite Burke and James Burke. Cherished grandfather of Margaret Mary, Nicholas, John, Thomas and John Michael. Adored great-grandfather of William, Kieran and Megan. The family will receive friends today (Monday) and Tuesday 2-4:30 and 7-9:30pm at the Powell Funeral Home, Inc., 67 Broadway (Rt. 110), Amityville. Funeral Mass Wednesday 9:30am St. Martin of Tours R.C. Church, Amityville. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Brooklyn.