William "Billy" F. Burke, JR

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of William F. "Billy" Burke Jr., a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend to all whose lives he touched. Born on October 9, 1941, in Fitchburg, MA to William and Jeanette (Posco) Burke, Billy left us on November 6, 2025. He will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Billy attended Fitchburg schools, graduating from Fitchburg High School in 1960. He was an outstanding athlete, starring in baseball and basketball at the youth and high school levels. He served in the Army Reserve after high school. Billy served as a firefighter for the Fitchburg Fire Department for 37 years, a calling he passionately fulfilled until his retirement. He was a driver and pump operator for several engines, mostly Engine Company 3. He was known for cooking in large quantities for his fellow firefighters. He loved being a firefighter, following in the footsteps of his grandfather, who served the Fitchburg Fire Department for 50 years. He said many times after his retirement that he would still be on the job if he could have been. While serving on the fire department, he also worked at Safety Fund Bank for 24 years. Additionally, he worked for several funeral homes later in his career and in retirement.

Beyond his professional life, Billy was an active member and past president of the Marconi Club. He enjoyed a long softball career, playing for multiple teams over many years, mostly at third base, including the Blackstone Valley League and Xarras Painters. He then umpired softball for both recreational and high school leagues. Despite his many commitments, what mattered most to Billy was his family and friends. It gave him great joy to be surrounded by those he loved, and he was loved by many.He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Linda (Saladini) Burke, his brother-in-law William Saladini, and his children, Michael Burke and his wife Tammy, Ronald Burke, Theresa Hietela and her fiancée Mark Fleming, Kristine Burke, and Jill and Werner Thissen. He was a proud grandfather to Matthew Burke and his wife Kassaundra, Tim Burke and his partner Shelby Searles, Ryan Burke, and Zoe Thissen. He was a great-grandfather to Thomas Burke, Isla Padilla, and his about-to-be-born great-granddaughter Blake Burke. He was preceded in death by his parents, his mother and father William and Jeanette Burke, his daughter Tracie Leroy, his mother and father-in-law William and Siiri Saladini, and his brother-in-law Mike Jokinen. He left many cousins, nephews, and nieces. Please join us to celebrate Billy's life on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Brandon Funeral Home, 305 Wanoosnoc Road, Fitchburg, MA. A Mass will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St Anthony of Padua Church, 84 Salem Street, Fitchburg, MA.

In Billy's memory please make a memorial contribution to the Fitchburg Fire Fighters Relief Associaton, 33 North Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420.

William "Billy" Burke's life was filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. We encourage everyone who knew Billy to share their memories and upload photos to his memorial page. Your shared memories will offer great comfort and serve as a tribute to a man who touched so many lives. Please do so at www.mackfamiilyfh.com.