Add a Memory
Make a Donation
William Burke Obituary
William H. Burke (Billy) 40 of Emeryville, California passed away on July 26, 2022. Dear son of Margaret M. (nee Quigley) and the late William H. Burke. Loving brother of Kimberly S. Barder and Nicholas W. Burke and his wife Naomi. Uncle of Holdyn and Poppy. Friend of John Tafoya.
Billy was born in Houston in 1982. A curious child, Billy had a deep passion and interest in nature and history and was an aspiring marine biologist at an early age. His limitless imagination took him down many rabbit holes as he researched any subject that took his interest. Billy was well known in the neighborhood for being an ‘expert’ on many topics!
Billy attended Grey Nun Academy and The Hun School of Princeton. He spent his summers in Stone Harbor with his family and was a keen fisherman together with his brother Nick and his cousin Josh. Spending his early years in Singapore and Malaysia, Billy always had a love of travel. This love took him to Australia on several occasions to visit family and where he dove on the Great Barrier Reef. He spent a summer in Egypt and also travelled to Saint Martin with his friend Matt, where he famously caught a dolphinfish bigger than himself!
Since graduation, Billy found great joy in exploring the arts. He was a self-taught musician with a great love of the guitar. A keen artist, Billy was known for his intricate paintings and vivid use of colors. His art brought he and his family great joy and many of his pieces fill the walls of his family home in New Hope.
Billy eventually settled happily in San Francisco where he met his great friend and companion John. Gone too soon, Billy will be forever missed by his family and friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to Billy’s Life Celebration Wednesday, August 10, 2022 from 9:30am to 11:00am at Swartz Givnish Funeral Home, 323 Washington Ave, Newtown, PA 18940. Followed by his Funeral Service at 11:00am. Which will be streamed on the Swartz Givnish Facebook Page.
Interment will be private.
Contributions in Billy’s memory may be made to Covenant House https://www.covenanthouse.org/
10 Entries
Valerie Lehman
August 3, 2023
Dearest Billy you will always be remembered and held close in our hearts. Until we see you again - Valerie & Roy Lehman
Pierre Brisson
February 7, 2023
With sadness just found out of Billy passing today on his birthday I meet Billy many years ago in Lake Worth Florida over the year I lost touch with Billy but always remember him as such a great person My Deepest sympathy to the family and friends Rest Easy my friend Pierre from the Odaat House
Parker Lewis
August 12, 2022
So saddened to hear this news. I lost touch with Billy over the years, but I’ll always remember him as a dear friend with whom I shared many happy memories at Hun, in Bucks County, and in Stone Harbor. He had a big heart, was whip smart, and always erred on the side of kindness. Deepest sympathies to Mrs. Burke, Nick, and his entire family.
How you can show support
GNA Class of 1996
R.J. Lehman
August 9, 2022
Billy, I still remember the day we met in 2nd grade, and how many adventures followed from there. Through all those years, you were the best friend a kid could hope for. Wherever we go after this place, I hope it continues to be an outlet for your curious, inventive and passionate spirit. Moreover, I trust that you're jamming with Greg and John again like you all never left off.
Roy and Valerie Lehman
August 8, 2022
It was a gift to know Billy. He was very kind, funny, and humble, and we always enjoyed time spent with him.
He was also remarkably brilliant. His exceptional intellect and his artistic vision were an astonishing delight to behold from the time he was a small boy.
We are so sorry for your loss. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
Benedict Family
August 7, 2022
Our family is deeply saddened to hear of Billy’s passing. He was a kind, warm, funny young man who we enjoyed having in our home. May happy memories of him fill you with peace.
Barbara and Bill Boyle
August 6, 2022
I love this photo of Billy. He was always such a kind, fun and interesting person. We will miss him very much. Sending our love and condolences to Margaret and his family.
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
323 Washington Ave, Newtown, PA 18940
Make a Donation
in William Burke's name
How to support William'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 William Burke'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