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Cletus Burke Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Cletus Burke
Bob Maresca
August 26, 2024
Brother Cletus was my 7th grade teacher at Our Lady of Angels grammar school in Brooklyn, NY. There were 55 kids in his classroom, and there were some doozies!
Anyway, Brother Cletus was by far the most influential teacher I ever had, and he helped me immensely in those awkward middle school years.
I know he's in a better place where he can see the impact he's had on so many through this teaching, his friendship, and his love.
Thomas Ford
February 13, 2023
Brother Cletus was a very decent man. Myself, and none of my classmates ever had a bad word to say about him....because he treated all of us with respect. May God bless him! St. Anthony's High School, Class of 1978
Eric Stenzel, '80 (Smithtown)
November 28, 2022
Very sad news to learn.
John Mulligan
August 24, 2020
Did you know? I had the pleasure of seeing my OLA History Teacher, Brother Cletus, once last time in September 2014 while visiting NYC. "Did you know" was a once a week potentially obscure factoid providing an opportunity to learn something new. I taught my children "did you know" while holding and pointing one finger - "the index finger" in homage to the inimitable "Cletus". Rest in Peace - Brother ... Johnny Mull
Capt. Kevin M. Mac Donnell
June 9, 2018
I can't believe that so many years have gone by since Brother Cletus passed away and I neglected to express my sympathy and sadness at his passing. I attended St. Anthony's H.S. when he was Dean of Students there. He was beloved by the young men who attended St. Anthony's and was considered one of the coolest brothers. He was a fine Franciscan, teacher and mentor. I wish that I knew that he was in Belgium because I would have loved to have met up with him during one of my Brussels layovers. My sincere sympathies to his frineds and family. May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
October 27, 2016
Brother Cletus was my favorite teacher at Our Lady of Angels School (1972). He was the coolest Brother I ever met and such a decent man. May he rest in peace.
Donald McCarthy
OLA 1973
Richard Maher
September 9, 2015
I too am saddened to hear about the death of Brother Cletus. May he rest in peace.
September 1, 2015
Dear Burke Family,
It is with great regret that we learned about the passing of Brother Cletus who worked here at St. John's in the late 80's and is fondly remembered by some of our longstanding staff as a great Athletic Director and history teacher. We are grateful for having had the blessing of counting him as a member of our community.
We wish you strength and courage during these trying times.
Friends from St. John's International School, Belgium
August 31, 2015
I was in the same class as Thad (guitar) Dupper at OLA. Not sure that passion and charisma could wholly define Bro. Cletus. "Did you know' that he was an inspiring educator? He was! God Bless.
John Mulligan
August 29, 2015
Brother Cletus was my 7th grade teacher at Our Lady of Angels in Bay Ridge. He was a wonderful teacher with a great energy and passion.
He had a unique way of inspiring his students and taught in the best tradition of the Franciscans.
Thad Dupper
Castle Pines, Colorado
Brian Conlon
August 29, 2015
I still remember the first time I met Brother Cletus. I transferred into St. Anthony's Smithtown Campus back in 1978 from Connetquot HS. He sensed that I was having a difficult time adjusting to the new environment. As Dean of Students, he made me feel so welcomed into the Friar family. I must say that the two years I spent at Smithtown were the best experience I could have asked for! I thank you and all the faculty of St. Anthony's. Rest in peace. Brian G. Conlon, 1980.
John Fahan
August 29, 2015
I am saddened to hear the loss of Brother Cletus. He was the most decent person you could meet. May God Rest his Eternal Soul.
Jennifer Schulte (Russo)
August 28, 2015
RIP Brother Cletus.God Bless you for putting up with me during High School!!!Prayers and hugs :)
August 28, 2015
Brother Cletus was one of a kind. His was a kind, compassionate and lovable person who touched many lives over the years and will be missed. He was my social studies teacher at SAHS 43 years ago and to this day I can picture him in front of the class telling us tough darts, or some other phrase he coined.
August 28, 2015
Brother Cletus was a dear, dear man. He was a good and faithful friend, and a brilliant teacher. He was always going to "write that book when he had time!" You will be missed, Danny Boy! My sincere sympathy! Diane O'Connell
Bob Maresca
August 28, 2015
Brother Cletus was my seventh grade teacher in Brooklyn in 1968. He was quite simply the best teacher I ever had. He was a teacher, a friend, and a wonderful and humble person. His positive impact on thousands of students is immeasurable. Rest in peace, Brother. You will be sorely missed.
Jim Lawlor
August 28, 2015
He was the best! I was always impressed that he could do pull-ups using his fingertips only on the door jams! Most impressive! May rest in peace!
Mike Connors
August 28, 2015
RIP Brother. You left a positive impression on me that remains after all these years. Firm, but fair, fun, the real deal. God Rest your soul. You carried out the Franciscan Mission and truly did Gods work on earth. You will be missed.
Thanks for your help in HS and being a positive role model to me.
August 28, 2015
Everyone loved him at Our Lady of Angles in Brooklyn.
Susan Burke
August 28, 2015
I knew brother Cletus since he was 14 years old. He most impressed us with his humor and wit. He was a dedicated Franciscan who was kind, fair and always optimistic even when faced with cancer. He so loved his students and the girls on his soccer and lacrosse teams. So many people will miss him. He will have a team waiting for him - former brothers like Benilde, his father and mother, his brother Jim, and many others who have gone before him. He leaves a void though in those of us still here.
Bill & Susette Kiernan
August 28, 2015
Our prayers are with his family. May Brother Cletus rest in peace.
August 28, 2015
Brother Cletus was a friend to all. He was an honest and decent man who cared for any person who needed him. He always looked for the good in people even when others had given up. He will be greatly missed
Fred Cataldo
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