Cletus Burke

Brother Cletus was my 7th grade teacher at Our Lady of Angels grammar school in Brooklyn, NY. There were 55 kids in his classroom, and there were some doozies! Anyway, Brother Cletus was by far the most influential teacher I ever had, and he helped me immensely in those awkward middle school years. I know he's in a better place where he can see the impact he's had on so many through this teaching, his friendship, and his love.

Brother Cletus was a very decent man. Myself, and none of my classmates ever had a bad word to say about him....because he treated all of us with respect. May God bless him! St. Anthony's High School, Class of 1978

Very sad news to learn.

Did you know? I had the pleasure of seeing my OLA History Teacher, Brother Cletus, once last time in September 2014 while visiting NYC. "Did you know" was a once a week potentially obscure factoid providing an opportunity to learn something new. I taught my children "did you know" while holding and pointing one finger - "the index finger" in homage to the inimitable "Cletus". Rest in Peace - Brother ... Johnny Mull

I can't believe that so many years have gone by since Brother Cletus passed away and I neglected to express my sympathy and sadness at his passing. I attended St. Anthony's H.S. when he was Dean of Students there. He was beloved by the young men who attended St. Anthony's and was considered one of the coolest brothers. He was a fine Franciscan, teacher and mentor. I wish that I knew that he was in Belgium because I would have loved to have met up with him during one of my Brussels layovers....

Brother Cletus was my favorite teacher at Our Lady of Angels School (1972). He was the coolest Brother I ever met and such a decent man. May he rest in peace.

Donald McCarthy
OLA 1973

I too am saddened to hear about the death of Brother Cletus. May he rest in peace.

Dear Burke Family,

It is with great regret that we learned about the passing of Brother Cletus who worked here at St. John's in the late 80's and is fondly remembered by some of our longstanding staff as a great Athletic Director and history teacher. We are grateful for having had the blessing of counting him as a member of our community.

We wish you strength and courage during these trying times.

Friends from St. John's International School, Belgium

I was in the same class as Thad (guitar) Dupper at OLA. Not sure that passion and charisma could wholly define Bro. Cletus. "Did you know' that he was an inspiring educator? He was! God Bless.
John Mulligan