Rev. Walter J. Burke

BURKE

REV. WALTER J., O.PRAEM., Pastor Emeritus of St. Norbert Church, Paoli PA, on May 15, 2005. Born in Phila. on March 20, 1919, the son of the late Walter G. and Eva Burote Burke. Father Burke was educated at St. Edmond and St. Monica Parochial Schools and at Roman Catholic and Southeast Catholic High Schools. He received a Baccalaureate Degree from St. Norbert College, DePere WI, and was vested a Norbertine at St. Joseph Shrine, St. Norbert Abbey, DePere on Aug. 28, 1938. Father was Solemnly Professed in June 1943 and after theological studies, was ordained a priest on June 17, 1944, at the former locus of Immaculate Conception Priory, Claymont DE. He celebrated his first Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Monica Church, Phila. Father Burke was assigned to Southeast Catholic faculty and in addition to teaching Latin and English, served as moderator of the football and basketball teams. He was soon appointed Athletic Director, to a generation of Catholic youth in South Phila. Father Burke became priest, mentor, advisor and friend and continued his association with the Millay Club. In 1957 Father Burke was appointed Assistant Pastor of St. Norbert Church, Paoli PA. In August of 1964 he was named Pastor and served as Pastor until January 1997; at which time he was named Pastor Emeritus by Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua. Father celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Ordination on Pentecost May 22, 1994.
Survived by the Norbertine Fathers of The Immaculate Conception Priory, Middletown DE; brother of Evelyn Varacallo (the late Anthony), the late Francis W., Bernard Burke (Clare), Dolores McKelvey; brother-in-law of Margaret Burke and Leo McKelvey; also survived by a niece, a nephew, 8 great nieces and nephews; great great nieces, Evelyn Elizabeth Doran and Nicole Suzanne Viola. Reverend clergy, religious, relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Friday, 6 to 8 P.M., St. Norbert Church, 50 Leopard Road (Rt. 252), Paoli PA. Funeral Mass Saturday, 11 A.M. Int. Daylesford Abbey. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Building Fund of Immaculate Conception Priory, 1269 Bayview Road, Middletown DE 19709.