Thomas E. Burke

I've known Tom for over 50 years. He graduated MMA with my father (Tim Hennigan) in 1939 and was a friend of my family and myself ever since. Tom has not only been one of my heroes due to his escapades during the war years but also as a man along with his wife Rita who have endured tremendous emotional tradgedy with exceptional grace over the course of their lives.Smooth sailing TOM

Though I am from another generation of Mass Maritime Graduates. I will never forget the day I picked up my unlimited Master's license at the USCG and then went to the Boston Alumni luncheon. When RADM Burke heard that I had just gotten the license, he searched me out to introduce himself and congratulate me on the accomplishment. That was an honor I will always remember.

MMA 1990

Sincere condolences to the Burke family. Regards, The Chase Family
Don Sr. -MMA '49; Don Jr. -MMA '74

I am saddened to learn of Tom's passing. He was a lifelong friend and advisor to me. Tom got me my first Third Mates job and followed my lifelong career in the Merchant Marine. He was a great guy and a good friend. He will be sorely missed. I want to wish my deepest sympathy to his wife Rita and his family.

Sail on Brave Admiral..

Capt. Marci McNamara MMA 64

A very sad day for those of us that had the honor of knowing Tom. He was the personification of a person who never forgot his maritime roots from MMA. I, like many many others, got my first job from a simple phone call from Tom to the steamship office. Over the years, we never lost contact and became Cohasset neighbors for many years. I was honored to get Tom his just recognition as a Commissioned Rear Admiral in the U.S. Maritime Service in 2005. He was so proud of that recognition and...

As a close childhood friend of Trishie's, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Burke family. You are all in my thoughts.

Tom gave me a lot of good advice over the years as he did for many MMA graduates. He will be missed. My sincere condolences his wife Rita and his family.

I had the pleasure to know the good Captain from his days at Jordan Read.
He was proud of his military service and just as proud of MMA and the many alumni he placed. While laughing when he told stories of his younger days at the old MSN, he'd grow quiet when he spoke of MMA grads lost in the sinking of the SS Panoceanic Faith.
He loved is wife, Grandma Gilligan, his family, his golf, the Boston Marine Society and MMA.
As he closed so many of his letters, good luck and smooth...

A one man institution at MMA ..His heart and soul was all about the school and helping cadets get started in the industry... He had an interest in everyone..A man of the strongest character and an inspiration ...Tom got me my first berth and prevented me from being drafted while I was in the middle of the Pacific...
A great man to have known !!
My deepest sympathies to Rita and her wonderful family ..
Bob Coyne -64