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BORN
1948
DIED
2018
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Thomas Burke Obituary
Bear - Thomas Patrick Burke, aged 70, of Bear, Delaware, died peacefully on Wednesday, December 19, 2018 at Foulk Manor South in Wilmington, DE.
Tom was born and raised in Chicago, Illinois. He graduated from Quigley High School in 1966, attended seminary at St. Mary of the Lake, attained a Bachelor of Science in biology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago. Tom was a pioneer in the development of computer database marketing and had a lengthy and successful career with Technical Publishing, Cahners Publishing, and Conde Nast Publishing with multiple Vice President positions related to database marketing. Tom was also an adjunct professor in the New York University Center for Data Science.
Tom was an avid outdoorsman and recreational athlete who spent many hours playing and coaching soccer in Chicago. When he starting bicycling with the Wheeling Wheelmen, he met his wife Joan and they married soon after. A job offer too good to refuse took them to New Hampshire; then Manhattan, and finally Delaware. Among Tom's continued, varied interests and hobbies were bicycling with the Wheeling Wheelmen, square dancing with the Times Squares and 2x4s, Jazzercise at the Newark Senior Center, and hiking with the Wilmington Trail Club.
Left to remember Tom are Joan, his loving wife of 24 years; his 3 children: Keith Burke, Peter Burke, and Kristin Burke; his mother, Ruth Burke; his 2 brothers: James Burke and John Burke (Erin); his grandson Joseph Burke; and several nephews and a niece. Tom was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Burke.
A visitation will be held on Friday, December 28 from 9:30-11 AM at the Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702. A service in celebration of Tom's life will follow at 11 AM. A second memorial service will be held in Chicago on February 2, 2019 with details to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom's name to the National Parkinson Foundation, 200 SE 1st St, Suite 800, Miami, FL 33131 (Parkinson.org) For directions or to send an online condolence visit www.stranofeeley.com
Strano & Feeley
Family Funeral Home
302-731-5459
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Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Burke
Sponsored by Strano and Feeley Family Funeral Home.
5 Entries
JKH/JW
December 26, 2018
My sincerest condolences to the Burke Family for the loss of your loved one, Thomas Patrick, and pray you find comfort in Psalms 91:2.
RK
December 26, 2018
Please accept my dearest and heartfelt sympathy; I am so sorry for your loss. May the God who "binds up the brokenhearted" and "comforts all who mourn" sustain your family during this difficult time. Isaiah 61:1,2
December 24, 2018
Dear Family,
During this time of sorrow, may you find comfort in God's promise that he is near to those broken at heart and crushed in spirit. May happy memories of Thomas Patrick Burke be with you always.
Larry and Sue Peirce
December 24, 2018
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
December 24, 2018
I send my condolences to the Family . May all Thomas' fond memories bring you comfort as God will provide your family with the comfort and strength that you need during this most difficult time.-Matthew 5:4
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Memorial Events
for Thomas Burke
Dec
28
Visitation
9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Strano and Feeley Family Funeral Home635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702
Dec
28
Celebration of Life
11:00 a.m.
Strano and Feeley Family Funeral Home635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702
Funeral services provided by:
Strano and Feeley Family Funeral Home635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702
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