Joseph M. "Joe" Burke

Joseph M. Burke, 84, Coventry, passed away with his loving family by his side on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Rhode Island Hospital. He was the beloved husband of 55 years to Carol Ann (Urdanick) Burke.
Born in New York City, NY, he was a son of the late John and Bridget (Mooney) Burke.
Just before receiving his degree in economics, Joe was drafted and served as a medic specialist in the US Army from 1962-1968 and earned a medal in marksmanship. His education later led to a 31+ year career as a top-level manager with the IRS overseeing the organizational and functional implementation of US tax laws. After a brief retirement Joe returned to work for another 10 years as a consultant and project manager both domestically and internationally. He spent several years in the Ukraine, Egypt, Serbia, Bosnia and Montenegro as an advisor to local authorities working on initiatives applicable to the specific tax structure and organizational needs of the respective countries. Joe's work abroad afforded him unique opportunities to experience other cultures, traverse language barriers, travel, and was the source of so many stories and favorite phrases like "mafish muskila" (No problem, it's okay).
Joe was proud of his Irish heritage, having dual citizenship in Ireland and making the annual trip to NY for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. He was a die-hard NY Jets fan, avid reader (especially history and spy thrillers), lover of convertibles, enjoyed playing golf, and treasured all things nautical - enjoying a summer sail or just watching the waves and ships (never enough photos). In his younger years Joe appreciated hitting the slopes during ski season while later in life didn't so much care for the cold but was a "visionary" when it came to snow sculpting, and he resourcefully believed everything had a purpose or "re"purpose. He had a quick and quirky wit, the ability to connect with people by finding a single commonality then using that to forge long term relationships and possessed strong faith.
Above all of his titles and hobbies, his greatest accomplishment was as a devoted husband, father, uncle and grandfather and his greatest joy was family.
Besides his wife, he is survived by his children, Kara Buchanan of Warwick, Joseph (Stacy) Burke of Spring Hill, FL, and Kristin (Al) Flori of Greene, RI; a brother, John Burke of South Carolina, four grandchildren, Kimberley and Kyle Buchanan, Joey and Logan Burke and a step-grandchild, Ed Colon. He was the brother of the late James Burke.
His Funeral will be held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 9:15 a.m. from the Carpenter-Jenks Funeral Home, 659 East Greenwich Avenue, West Warwick, RI, with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. in Saints John & Paul Church, 341 South Main Street, Coventry, with Military Honors to follow after the Mass. Entombment in Holy Cross Cemetery Mausoleum, Glastonbury, CT, will be private for the family. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Maryknoll Sisters of Saint Dominic, Inc., 10 Pinesbridge Road, Ossining, NY 10562, would be appreciated.