William James "Bill" Burke

William James Burke (Bill), age 88, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on October 26, 2024, after a brief illness at St. Vincent Hospital. 

He was born April 19, 1936 to William and Frances Pierce Burke in Oil City, PA. He attended school there at St. Joseph and graduated Class of ’54. He moved to Erie in 1956. He was employed as a master printer at the Clinton Press Co. for 40 years and served as president of the Printing House Craftsmen Club.

Having a lifelong love of automobiles, he could be found roaming around car shows many a nice day. He especially enjoyed his trips to Carlisle, PA, for their annual expos with his fellow “car-nuts”. After retiring from printing he found a part time job driving cars for the Greater Erie Auto auction. His license plate collection covered the garage walls, so we didn’t have to waste time painting them.

He was an avid vegetable gardener and raised some great tasting corn every year. Always a “putterer”, he has an extensive collection of power tools. 

He was quite the “story teller”, and his favorite one was about the night he and Rosemarie met at a country music dance, he never missed a chance to tell it to just about anyone that would listen. Their marriage vows were recently blessed while he was hospitalized. 

Proud of his Irish heritage, he always said he was “FBI-full-blooded Irishman”.

A side job he had was as a “grunt” tote carrier while helping Rosemarie set up at her craft shows, never complaining a bit, and always her biggest supporter and fan. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Christopher Burke, M.D., his daughter-in-law, Sally Burke, Esq., daughter Linda, step-daughter, Barbara Freitas, step-son-in-law, Rico Freitas, also a number of special Aunts and Uncles. 

He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Rosemarie (Cavallo, Hinman), son, Andrew. His “second family”, Hinman stepsons, Rick (Jane), Tom (Quensita), John (Donna), David (Pam), Scott (Michelle), and Brian. 

He is also survived by his grandson, Clifford of London, England and granddaughter, Rachel of New Orleans, LA. His sister, Kathleen (Richard) McKee of CT, their sons, Jeremy and Gabriel and their families. He was proud of being step-grandfather to many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Also surviving are many favorite cousins. 

He will be missed and his memory will live on by his family. We want to thank he nurses and staff at St. Vincent’s for the compassionate care Bill received during his time there; they made a difficult time much easier to endure. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Bill to the ANNA Shelter or to a charity of your choice. 

Friends are invited to call on the family, Friday, November 1, 2024 from 11:00 AM until the time of the service at 1:00 PM at Burton Quinn Scott Cremation and Funeral Services Wintergreen, 2532 Norcross Rd. Erie PA, 16510. Fr. James McCormick officiating. Private inurnment will take place in Whispering Pines Cremation Garden. 

Send flowers and offer condolences at www.burtonquinnscott.com.