About
Thomas Burke Obituary
Son of the late Alphonse and Helen Burke, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend to many. A long time and devout parishioner of the Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church, Thomas had a long career as a school teacher with the Hamburg School system until retiring in 1996. Thomas had proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean conflict. He was an avid lover of golf and a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills.
Thomas was predeceased by his beloved wife Mary Frances (nee Finlay) Burke December 9, 2024. Survivors include his son Neil F. and his wife Noelle Burke of Philadelphia, PA, his daughter Traci A. and her husband Kurt Smith of Newton, and his cherished grandchildren Brendan and Shane Smith. Also surviving is his sister Phylis Harrison and many loving nieces and nephews.
Memorial Visitation will be held Wednesday January 7, 2026 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM in the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home #156 Main Street (Rt. 206) Newton, NJ 07860. A funeral Mass will also be held Wednesday at 230 PM in the Saint Joseph Roman Catholic Church #24 Halsted Street Newton, NJ, with entombment immediately following in the Church Cemetery Mausoleum. Online condolences through www.iliff-ruggierofuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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156 Main St. (Route 206), Newton, NJ 07860
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