Kevin Philip Burke

CHARLESTOWN - Kevin P. Burke, 70, of Charlestown, passed away on Thursday, June 18, 2015, surrounded by those that he loved. Born in Framingham, Mass., he was the son of the late Philip W. Burke and Eleonora F. Burke. He attended St. Mark's School and Georgetown University. He was drawn to the construction industry and worked for years at McCarthy Pools in Southborough, Mass. He served as foreman on commercial construction sites. After moving to Rhode Island, he established a landscaping business, which he operated through 2014.

Kevin Burke was a true Renaissance Man. Early in his life, he developed a passion for the arts, particularly music and photography. An accomplished harmonicist, Kevin supplied solos on LPs by the band Orpheus, among others. He was a sought-after accompanist for blues musicians in live performance. He was a jazz enthusiast. He became an authority on the manufacture and history of trumpets and cornets, buying and selling some of the finest. He was generous with information to collectors, players, and dealers. His love and knowledge of photography is evidenced by works throughout his home and the homes of his children and friends. A dedicated fisherman, he could be found many mornings casting into the surf. He assembled a unique collection of rods and lures with which he decorated his home.

A longtime friend of Bill W.'s, Kevin helped many people in the fellowship.

Kevin is survived by his four children, Ezra Burke and wife, Jennifer, of Los Angeles, Calif.; Silas Burke and Katie Sticksel, of Santa Monica, Calif.; Erin Murphy and husband, Jacob, of Sunderland, Mass.; and Taylor Ratcliffe and husband, Christopher, of Rindge, N.H.; six beloved grandchildren; sister, Donna McManus, of Green Hill, R.I.; and companion, Chiara Sherwood.

A memorial gathering of friends and family is planned for Monday, June 22, at 5 p.m. at St. Augustine's Episcopal Center at 15 Lower College Road in Kingston, R.I.

"Come along with us, kid, and you'll be alright."