Dr. Peter A. Burke Sr.

Dr. Peter A. Burke, aged 77, passed away surrounded by his loving family on December 24th, 2025. Born in Keyport, NJ, on November 4, 1948, Peter was the son of the late Dorothy and Edward Burke. An accomplished athlete, Peter was awarded a full athletic scholarship to Rutgers University for basketball. He worked for many years as an on-field official for NCAA football, was a scratch golfer, and had a passion for baseball. He earned an undergraduate degree in Microbiology from Rutgers, followed by a Master's degree in Biochemistry from Seton Hall University and a PhD in Microbiology and Biochemistry from St. John's University.
Peter's distinguished professional career as a biochemist included research positions at Sara Lee and Carter Wallace and culminated in his position as the Chief Technology Officer at Steris Corporation. Peter is the holder of hundreds of patents related to medical devices and technology. Most importantly, Peter was a proud grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. From modest beginnings, Peter built a life and career through relentless work ethic, commitment, and professionalism, rising to earn a world-renowned reputation in his field and leaving a lasting legacy for his family.
Peter is survived by his wife of 48 years, Joan (Schwenk) Burke; his children and their spouses, Kathleen and Ted Annis and Peter Jr. and Kristen Burke; his grandchildren, Jake, Olivia, Nate, Emerson, Ainsley, and Colin. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his brother, Eddie Burke.
A visitation will be held on Monday December 29th from 10 A.M. to 11 A.M. with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11 A.M. at Our Lady of Fatima, 801 N Dupont Hwy, New Castle, DE 19720. Burial will follow at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to The Michael J. Fox Foundation .