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BURKE, Robert "Rob" J., MD (Ret. Commander U.S. Navy), passed away at his home in Milton on January 1. He was the beloved son of the late Joseph F. & Marguerite T. (Walsh) Burke and is survived by his brother Joseph F. Burke, MD of South Dartmouth and sisters Sheila Burke of Milton and Kathleen Dunlay of Westwood. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, friends and colleagues. Rob was born and raised in Dorchester, attending St. Brendan's Grammar School, Catholic Memorial High School and Suffolk University. He joined the US Navy graduating from the Uniformed Services University School of Medicine and Boston University School of Public Health. Specialties included Preventive Occupational Medicine and Family Practice Medicine. Assignments in the Navy included "Ship's Surgeon" on the USS Constitution in Boston and South Weymouth Naval Air Station. He served with the Marine Corps in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm and the Coast Guard during the Haitian evacuation crisis. Rob is the proud recipient of many medals and honors during his 24 years in the Navy including the Meritorious Service Medal and Coast Guard Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbon Bar. He retired as Commander from the Medical Corps in 2004. There will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Agatha Church in Milton, Saturday, January 11 at 9 am, followed by military burial in Milton cemetery. Visiting hours Friday, January 10 at the Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home, 326 Granite Ave., MILTON, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Lifetime member of the Disabled Americans Veterans; Past Flight Surgeon, South Weymouth Chapter of the Association of Naval Aviators; late member of the Board of Directors for the Brighton Marine Health Center. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Massachusetts Soldiers Legacy Fund mslfund.org P.O. Box 962061, Boston, MA 02196. www.alfreddthomas.com Alfred D. Thomas Funeral Home Milton (617) 696-4200
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Ouch!! Rob was a classmate and friend from medical school. We often drove back to the Boston area together. God be with his family.
John McCafferty, Colonel, USAF [email protected]
November 14, 2017
Dear Sheila Joe Kathy and your families We are heartbroken by the sudden death of Rob We had hoped to meet him in January but it was not to be Our prayers are with you all at this sad time
From Pat Liz and Ciaran Burke GAlway
February 19, 2014
Sheila and the Burke family, Sory to hear of the untimely passing of Robert may he rest in peace SEAN BURKE and family Galway.
Sean Burke
January 29, 2014
Sheila and all the Burke family.
Sorry to hear about Robs untimely passing,our prayers are with you all at this time.
Gerry,Bernie Burke and family
January 28, 2014
Our deepest sympothy's
Kenneth Terry
January 12, 2014
We had alot of fun Dr. Bob in Australia & New Zealand almost a year ago today. What the heck happened? You will be missed. Andy Wojcik & Bob Schirmer
January 12, 2014
Sheila, Kathy and Family-
I am so sorry about Robert. God Bless you all in this difficult time.
Jennifer Morrissey Wadland
January 10, 2014
My condolences to the Burke family. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Joe Burke when he lived in Longmeadow, and am sure that his brother 'Bob," was as fine a man as Joe.
Maureen Weeks
January 10, 2014
Dear Sheila, Joe, Kathy and your families, I am so sad to hear of Rob's passing. As others have said he was very generous to all he met. He gave so much of his life to his country and caring for the men, women and families who fought for our freedom. He loved his family, friends and New England. Having moved to California, he asked me repeatedly when I was moving back to God's country. He was especially gracious with my Mom who had the thrill of being invited on the Turnaround cruise on the USS Constitution in 1992, when he was stationed as the surgeon on board. He always prepared her the biggest and best lobster at Hummerock or his Cape Cod home. Hopefully they are sharing a meal.and laughs in God's home now. Be at peace Rob. You will be missed.
Devaney Karen
January 10, 2014
Bob was a thoroughly decent person and one of the best. Everyone who I have told is shocked and crushed by this news. I'll remember many good times with Bob but most of all will remember the good times on the Cape. He always welcomed people into his house, was a generous and gracious host and never made anyone feel unwelcome. A classy and fine person. RIP Dr. Bob, you were a true friend.
Chris Trakas
January 9, 2014
Sorry for your loss. May the peace of God soothe your heart. Philippians 4:6,7
Sincerly, J.M
January 9, 2014
Dear Sheila Sincere sympathy to you & your family at this time. love & Prayers from Murrin family
Margaret & Jim
January 9, 2014
Heartbroken by this terrible news. Thoughts and prayers to your family and friends Burkie. You will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
Lorraine Murrin
January 9, 2014
We ate a lot of crabs together, studied together, sang Christmas songs in USUHS parking lot together and had many laughs and a lot of fun together. While we did not stay in touch, I have always had very fond memories of him. I am very sad to learn of his passing. No matter where he was, he always made it clear how much he loved his home town and most of all his family. My sincerest condolences to his family for whom he clearly cared and honored so very, very much. I will miss him and feel the pain of his loss. Al
January 9, 2014
He was a good friend, and I am glad that I knew him. My condolences to the Burke Family.
Charlie Tenney
January 8, 2014
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