About
Gerard Burke Obituary
Publish in a newspaper
Gerard, fondly known as "Gerry", born to the late John P. Burke and Mary (Callahan) Burke, was the oldest of five children. He attended Jamaica Plain High School, Saint Francis College and Portia Law School. He was raised in Jamaica Plain and spent his youth working at the Refectory and Concession stands at Franklin Park along with his father and his siblings. This began his love of working with the public along with his love for Boston politics, history and Ireland. This propelled him toward many occupational adventures and his successful career at Doyle's Café in Jamaica Plain. He worked there with his brothers and his son for many years. He was a proud Boston Irish guy regaling stories of the old days. He was a magnetic life force and enjoyed being with people.
Most of all he loved to be home with his family. We will miss his charm, wit, clever sayings and stories, but most of all we will miss his constant love and support.
Gerard is survived by his loving wife, Mary Ann, of 55 years. He also leaves behind son Gerard Burke and his wife Carolyn of West Roxbury, and their children, Paul, Catherine, Gerard and Mary Ann; daughter Margaret Glynn and her husband Martin of Walpole; step-grandchildren Falan (Tracey) Glynn-Roulinavage and Kaylan (Matt) Rinehimer; step-great grandchildren, James, Savvy, Remy and Baker.
Gerard is survived by his siblings, Edward (Joni) Burke, Helen (William) Baird, William (Therese) Burke and Francis (Mick) Foret.
Visiting hours at the William J. Gormley Funeral Home, 2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, on Thursday from 4-8 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint John Chrysostom Parish, 4750 Washington Street, West Roxbury on Friday at 10 AM. Interment Saint Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Gerard's name to Old Colony Hospice and Palliative Care, 322 Manley Street, West Bridgewater, MA 02379.
For directions and guestbook, gormleyfuneral.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Paul Meuse
August 16, 2025
To Eddie, Billy, and the family, I'm very sorry to hear of Gerry's passing. He was like you two fellas, and Gent, a brilliant with, and a good human being.. I lived on Wiiliams street, and stopped in nearly every day. I wish you all the best.
Paul Meuse, from Siem.
Gerard McCormick
May 27, 2024
Sorry for your loss. i just heard of Gus' passing. Having grown up with GFPB on Myrtle Street and working the concession stand with him I have many great memories with him. A true gentleman and a rare gem of a man. Many he Rest In Peace. Gerard F McCormick , 15 Myrtle Street .
Wendy Gardner
February 22, 2024
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
How you can show support
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Cindy Ouellette
February 22, 2024
Gerry Burke was a man who anyone could sit and talk with, and come away having learned something about whatever the discussion was, whether it was Boston Politics, the Kennedys, or the history of JP. I was fortunate to be in his presence when I worked at Doyles in the 80's and 90's. It was his laugh that drew you in, and he was always laughing. His favorite Boston Globe/Herald writers would come in for lunch and they would get some time with Gerry to share some stories. He was a historian, and people were drawn to him. I lost touch with the Burkes when I left JP, but I will always remember Gerry, his laugh, and his mind. Rest in Peace.
Stephen Sicard
February 21, 2024
Thank you Gerry for all the wonderful memories at Doyle´s. RIP
Steve Sicard (Big Dan McLaughlins son-in-law)
Rick Berlin
February 21, 2024
My every time I Saw Gerry Sr he had a story, a memory or an anecdote that was relevant to whatever we were talking about, was often hysterically funny, sharp witted and well...Gerry Sr was one of the vanishing breed of Irish raconteurs (though I'd bet he'd loathe the fawncy word 'raconteur'). This man had at least 5 books in him. My only regret is that he never got 'em written. Best sellers all, at least here in Boston. And my favorite image of him, from afar, is seeing him quietly walk through the poetic beauty of Forest Hills Cemetery. Where he found solace and and time alone with God. Gerry Burke Sr is one of The Greats.
Mary Callahan
February 20, 2024
My Late husband Tim Callahan really enjoyed his relationship with his cousin Gerard. Gerard served on the Board of the Brandon Residential Treatment Center where Tim was the CEO. Tim always treasured that relationship as well as the family gatherings where Gerard never failed to tell many childhood stories about the family. He will be missed
Robert watson
February 19, 2024
A first class person, full of love and laughter. He is to be revered as one who made a difference! The world is just a bit more empty with his passing. I knew him, admired him, respected him and always liked to see him. Thanks for everything Gerry! You will be missed. RIP
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
2055 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Make a Donation
in Gerard Burke's name
People and places connected with Gerard
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Gerard'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
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
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 moreWays to honor Gerard 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
