JOHN FRANCIS BURKE

BURKE, JOHN FRANCIS John Burke, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle to more than 40 nieces and nephews, passed away September 19, 2024, in his 87th year. He is survived by Carol (Kirby), his wife of 61 years; daughters, Jill-Marie and Colleen (Dave); granddaughters, Rosa and Amelia; and sisters, Joan and Kathleen. He was predeceased by eight of his siblings. John was the tenth of eleven children born to Tony and Rita Burke (Hartigan). His happy childhood in St. Jacques and St. John's, NL was filled with caring community members and adventures with his siblings. His St. Jacques' memories were the foundation of a lifelong talent for storytelling. After initially studying to be a Redemptorist priest, John found his true calling when he became a high school English teacher. He inspired thousands of students in Smiths Falls, Petrolia, Forest and London and enjoyed mentoring younger teachers. He loved spending time with family and friends, reading and discussing novels, listening to CBC Radio, taking photos and staying in touch with his numerous Facebook friends. Thank you to the wonderful, caring staff at Christie Gardens and University Health Network and all the helpful taxi drivers who have taken us to countless appointments. The family will receive visitors at Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst St., Toronto on September 23rd, 5 - 8 and September 24th, 2 - 4 and 6 - 8. A funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church, 840 Bathurst St., Toronto, on September 25th at 10 a.m. and will be livestreamed. Interment at a later date. Donations may be made to: unitedforliteracy.ca www.cardinal funeralhomes.com