Thomas J. Burke

Thomas J. Burke

Penacook, NH - Thomas Joseph Burke of Penacook, NH passed away on August 12, 2024 at the age of 73 after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family at the Granite VNA Hospice House in Concord. He did everything he possible could to have more time with those he loved so much. He fought hard and never complained once.

Tom was born in Concord, NH on July 3, 1951, the first child of the late Charles and Jacqueline (Tierney) Burke. He graduated from Bishop Brady High School in 1969, and attended Saint Anselm College.

He married his loving wife, Donna (Kelly) on July 20, 1974, and they just celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary. He made her laugh everyday. Together, they raised three sons and had six grandchildren.

Tom retired from the New Hampshire State Police in 2002, at the rank of Sergeant. From there, he was the Director of Transportation for Merrimack Valley School District, and later became a bus driver after retiring from that role in 2020.

Outside of work, Tom was an active member of his community, serving on many boards and committees, such as ICB Basketball and Penacook Pride AAU Basketball. Most of all, he was very passionate about his coaching, coaching various sports and teams for 54 years. Recently, he coached the grandchild of one of his players. He truly loved working with his players, and shaped hundreds of lives through the years.

Tom was recently recognized as Concord Monitor's Home Town Hero, nominated by his special friend Debbie Drouin. He was also recently learned that he is to be inducted into the Merrimack Valley Hall of Fame, nominated by Kim Kenney, whom he affectionately called "Eunice". He received the Governors Volunteer Recognition Award in 1996. He was also named an honorary Kentucky Colonel for his community service.

Tom enjoyed spending time at his camp in Kennebunk, Maine. He loved spending time outside, just puttering around the yard. He also loved sitting on the porch with a good cigar and cocktail. Tom enjoyed his Tuesday morning "meetings" with Joe Raycraft and Dave Coffey, even though Coffey ate all the cookies. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He loved watching his grandson Matthew play football and baseball. All his grandchildren were a great source of joy for him.

Tom had a great sense of humor and never forgot a thing. If he had something on you and saw you years later, rest assured, he would remind you of it.

A hole has been left in the hearts of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Tom. He truly was bigger than life, and he will be so very missed.

Tom is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Jacqueline, his sister Mary Welch, his in-laws Guy and Constance Kelly, his sisters-in-law Kathy Tobin and Debbie Kelly, and his brothers-in-law Tommy Kelly and James Kelly.

He is survived by his loving wife Donna, his three sons he loved dearly: Kevin Burke and wife Jewel, James Burke, and Christopher Burke and wife Erin. His grandchildren that he adored and that brought him so much joy: Matthew Burke, Lily Burke, Charles Burke, Marguerite Mary Burke, Marissa Bresnahan, and Cameryn LaSalle. His brothers Patrick Burke and Joseph Burke and wife Janet. His brothers-in-law Roy Tobin, Charlie Kelly, Guy Kelly and his wife Andrea, Shawn Kelly, and Robert Kelly and wife Angela. He also leaves behind many special nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to all his family and friends who visited him. He treasured every visit. A sincere thank you to his best friend, Paul Bunker who spent many hours by his bedside.

Thank you to Dr. Divenuti from Oncology and her providers for their excellent care. The very special nurses in the Infusion Room, who made the treatments more tolerable. Thank you to Dr. Betchart, Dr. Eckert for their compassionate care. A very special thank you to Granite VNA Hospice House for their unbelievable care. Tom was able to pass in a place that was so peaceful and loving. Every single employee and volunteer there is truly amazing.

Visiting hours will be held Monday August 19th from 11am to 2pm in the gymnasium at Merrimack Valley High School 106 Village St. Penacook NH 03303.

Funeral services will follow at 2pm. Burial will follow at Blossom Hill cemetery, Concord.

The Waters Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Tom's name to Granite VNA Hospice House, 30 Pillsbury St Concord NH 03301.