Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Thomas E. Burke

Thomas Burke Obituary

BURKE Thomas E., of Cohasset, Massachusetts; Insurance executive; Rear Admiral (Retired), U.S. Merchant Marine. December 30, 2009. Age 91. For 62 years beloved husband of Mary Rita (Gilligan) Burke. Devoted father of Joanna Burke of Malibu, California; Thomas W. Burke of Mobile, Alabama; Christopher J. Burke of Lake Bluff, Illinois; John A. Burke of Houston, Texas; and the late Patricia E. Burke, Maryadele Burke Colville, Andrea M. Burke. Also survived by nine grandchildren. Complete Notice to follow Tuesday. McNamara-Sparrell Brighton-Cohasset-Norwell 781-383-0200 “Since 1820”

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Boston Herald on Jan. 3, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Burke

25 Entries

Tim Hennigan

February 16, 2010

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

Jim Scalli

January 8, 2010

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

Don Chase

January 7, 2010

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

January 7, 2010

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

RADM Frank X. Johnston, USMS

January 7, 2010

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 always said that he was just doing his duty to assist others. There will never be another Tom Burke....R.I.P my friend.

Pamela Bloomfield

January 7, 2010

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.

Oscar Forand (MMA "65")

January 7, 2010

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.

Denise Traniello

January 7, 2010

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 sailing!

January 7, 2010

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

Mike Casey

January 7, 2010

Mr. Burke,
Sir, I would just like to say thank you for your service and sacrifice for our Country when you served during WW II and for being a member of the Greatest Generation. And to your family and loved ones, I wish to extend my deepest sympathy.

The Brown Family (Dot and Bill)

January 6, 2010

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Paul Cass

January 6, 2010

I knew Tom was a a great man but the praise from MMA Grads and others elevated him to another level. He gave to all of us a lesson in humanity.

Cheryl

January 6, 2010

I worked with Tom for many years at Brewer & Lord. No matter what troubles he may have had he always had a smile and a laugh. He will be missed.

William Campbell

January 6, 2010

The true measure of a shipmate is their unselfesh serrvice to others. Tom's decades of service in support of the cadets and graduates of the Massachusetts Mariutime Academy are unmatched. His leadership and support will be missed. He was a superb shipmate.

Chief Engineer William H. Campbell, MMA Class of 1967

Tim Dempsey

January 5, 2010

To my friend John, my deepest sympathies to you and the family for the loss of your Dad. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
-tim and Julie

John Flanagan, Jr

January 5, 2010

My late Father, Jack Flanagan, was one of the many, many cousins of Thomas Burke. My Grandmother Katherine Burke Flanagan was the sister of Thomas Burke's Dad.
My sincerest condolences to the Burke family.

John Schneiter

January 5, 2010

I worked with Tom through his association with Brewer & Lord. Tom was an inspiration and always could be counted on for a unique perspective and a wonderful point of view. It was an honor to have known him.

Kay McNeill

January 5, 2010

My sincere sympathy to you, Rita and your wonderful family on Tom's passing.
May he rest peacefully in heaven with his lovely daughters who welcomed him there.
Kay McNeill

Trudy Avery

January 5, 2010

It was a pleasure knowing Tom in the three years that I have worked at MMA.

Trudy Avery

Joe and Evelyn Reilly

January 5, 2010

What a fine man and what a fine life! My husband Joe and I know Tom and Mary Rita through their work with Massachusetts Citizens for Life and with Morality in Media of Massachusetts. More examples of the kind of good man he was, and still is. May he rest in peace in the arms of his Heavenly Father.

Richard Renwick

January 5, 2010

So sorry to learn of Tom's passing. We met in 1983 when I began my career with Baystate Financial Services. Tom was a wonderful role model to all the folks new to the business. He also was responsible for my love affair with Bermuda, he encouraged us to stay at Cambridge Beaches for our honeymoon, (which we did) and have returned over 20 times since. Hope to one day get close to the 80 visits Tom enjoyed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Burke family

January 5, 2010

He was an incredible example to so many at MMA. His care and concern for all those about him sets the tone for those who would follow in those big shoes. Rest in peace, Tom, for a life well lived and a job well done.

Elaine Meuse ( Peter Meuse '63)

William Pierce

January 4, 2010

I am saddened to hear of Tom's passing. He was very helpfull to me in my career choice to attend MMA. He will be missed but never forgotten. Sail on Tom. Fair winds and following seas.

January 3, 2010

Rita,I was so sorry to hear of Tom passing my prayers are with you and your family. Dana Whittle Hatherly

Mike O'Connell

January 3, 2010

The entire O'Connell family of Cohasset and beyond are saddened to hear the news of Mr. Burke's passing. He was an influence in all of our lives, on and off the playing fields. We will remember him fondly and pray for all the Burke family in this time of loss and sadness..

Showing 1 - 25 of 25 results