Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Thomas Burak Obituary
AGE: 66 • Toms River
Thomas A. Burak, 66, died on Friday, Dec. 19, 2014, at Community Medical Center in Toms River. He was born in Newark, lived in Elizabeth until moving to Toms River in 1971, where he taught History for 30 years in the Toms River School District. He also worked for many years in his construction business. Tom loved the ocean and loved to fish. He was happiest when he was fishing in a boat or on the beach. He also enjoyed working in his garage workshop making many different projects. Tom was a loving husband, father, brother, Pop Pop, and friend.
Tom was predeceased by his parents, John and Anne A. Burak. He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Mary; his beloved daughter, Elizabeth Burak; his beloved son, Jay Burak and his wife Nicole; his loving sister, Janet Burak and her partner Charles De Geiso; and his beloved grandchildren, Andrew, Caden, Addison, and Kaylee. He is also survived by his two sisters-in-law, Jenny Balton and Cathy Karch and her husband Skip; as well as many nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015 at the Presbyterian Church of Toms River, 1070 Hooper Ave., Toms River. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions in his name to Save Barnegat Bay, PO Box 155, Lavallette, NJ 08735 or online at www.savebarnegatbay.org. Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home of Toms River, is in charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Burak
Lisa Petrosino-Stevens
January 25, 2015
I want to offer the Burak family my deepest sympathy. Mr Burak was one of the best teachers. I'll always remember him. Class of 1983.
Bob Deeck
January 15, 2015
My deepest sympathies & prayers go out to the family! The Lord has called another angel home! May God bless you all & give you strength during this time! RIP Mr Burak!
January 15, 2015
R.I.P Mr Burak. You were a great teacher and one of my favorites. TRE Class 1981
January 9, 2015
So sorry to hear, he was a wonderful person and teacher, endless fishing now....rip sandie class of 84
James Saunders
January 6, 2015
I know Tom is up there getting those Pearly Gates up to code. Great teacher and builder, I wish I was closer to him these last few years. Rest In Peace old friend.
Myron Smith
January 4, 2015
we will miss Tom terribly! what a wonderful guy!
Giampapa's
January 3, 2015
RIP... Great Guy and Teacher!!
January 3, 2015
RIP Mr Burak you were a great teacher TRE class of 81
charlie caswell
January 3, 2015
R.I.p. tom it was pleasure to know ur family .and it was great working with u and Tim magee.god bless
Rainer Moellering
January 3, 2015
My condolences go out to Mr. Buracks family - He truly was one of the great ones to grace the classrooms of TR schools. He taught with passion and became a mentor to me. His concern for the environment was uncompromising. He will be missed by many.
Captain Rainer Moellering
"ATLANTIS"
T.R.H.S.N 1973
Brown Joseph
January 3, 2015
Wow that's so sad, he was my history teacher and made me wanna learn. Was also nice getting to share fishing stories with him while in school. R.I.P. MR. Burak
Debra Vaughn-Hartwick
January 3, 2015
Mr. Burak was one of three teachers who taught my Humanities class my senior year of high school in 1995. He was a good, caring and interesting teacher. The kind all students should have. My heart goes out to the Burak family.
Ed Sarluca
January 3, 2015
A great co-worker at TRE. A true friend and fun to be with. Mary, my deepest thoughts are with you and the rest of your family.
DON KROBATSCH
January 3, 2015
OUR DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR SUCH A LOSS OF SUCH A WONDER FUL MAN,WE SHARED MANY A LAUGH DURING THE YEARS. MAY HE REST IN PEACE.
Trish Bordelon
January 2, 2015
I have some wonderful memories of Mr. Burak from T.R.E. '89-'92. He was a great guy and an engaging educator. My heartfelt prayers go out to Mrs. B and the family.
Kellie Collins-Pickle
January 2, 2015
My heart goes out the family. He was may favorite teacher and the reason I went into teaching. He will be missed.
Anna Greitz nee Blank
January 2, 2015
My sincerest condolences to Mr. Burak's family. I loved having him as a history teacher. He made me understand the subject and enjoy it and never once did he compare me to my brother. That was a refreshing change. Rest in Peace and fly with the angels. God Bless.
Linda & Larry Clarici
January 2, 2015
R.I.P. Tom . It was a pleasure to have met you. May peace be with your family. The Clarici's from Gilford Park YAcht Club
January 1, 2015
My heart felt condolences to the family. Mr. Burak was my teacher in the early 70's at Toms River North HS. These many years later I still remember how he supplied each class member with a fresh copy of the New York Times so we could discuss and analyze news articles. He was a good teacher. Again, my condolences to the family.
Lewises
January 1, 2015
Deepest condolences to the family for this great loss. The strength from GOD can sustain you through this difficult time.
Joe Erickson
December 31, 2014
By far the most memorable teacher I experienced during my years at TR North in the 70's, today I feel as if I've lost a friend. Quick to point out that his classroom was not a Democracy, but a "Burakracy", he left a mark that lasted well past those high school years. Rest easy, Mr. Burak. You'll be missed, but never forgotten.
December 31, 2014
My deepest sympathies for the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4 : 14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
December 31, 2014
Mary,
My condolences to you and your family. He was a great guy and it was a pleasure knowing him.
Sally Simet
Elsa
December 31, 2014
Mr. Burak was by far the sweetest, funniest, and nicest teacher I have ever had. Even when I ran into him years after high school was over we would talk about all the changes in life. Im heartbroken that he had to leave so soon. May he rest in peace!!!!
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in Thomas Burak's name
Memorial Events
for Thomas Burak
Funeral services provided by:
Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home - Toms River703 Main Street, Toms River, NJ 08753
How to support Thomas's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Thomas Burak's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
