Thomas Burke

1954 - 2019

Burke, Thomas
Thomas Michael Burke, of Avon, CT, beloved husband of Mary (Morrissey) Burke, departed this life peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, June 7, 2019. Tom was born May 7, 1954, in Lynn, MA one of four children born to the late Robert J. and Marie (Spreeman) Burke. Tom graduated from Liverpool High School, Liverpool, NY where his talents shined in Track and Field. He was a noted discus thrower and holds a NY State Shot Put record. He was a crucial member of the Liverpool high school football team, where he played defensive tackle. Tom went on to attend Rochester Institute of Technology and was recruited to play college football for the legendary coach, Tom Coughlin. While at RIT, Tom became a lifelong brother of the Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity. As a middle linebacker, Tom and his TKE brothers were league champions. A gifted athlete, Tom continued to enjoy golf and tennis throughout his life. Tom was a diehard fan of the New York Yankees and Giants. As a well-respected commercial roofing professional for over 40 years, he began his career with TREMCO Roofing Products where he was a consistent multi-million-dollar producer. Always the entrepreneur, Tom moved on to establish his own roofing company, Burke Roofing Services, which dealt with many Fortune 500 Companies. He was a member in good standing of both the Roof Consultants Institute and the National Roofing Contractors Association. Tom served as President of the Reverknolls Neighborhood Association for over 15 years. He was also a parishioner of St. Patrick's Church in Farmington. Tom was a loving and devoted father, and was honored to serve as his daughter Jessica's soccer coach and mentor. Tom loved spending time by the water with his family and friends, his favorite locations being Watch Hill, RI, Hilton Head, SC, and, The Dominican Republic. Tom's infectious laugh, sparkling green eyes, and generous spirit will be remembered fondly by all. Besides his loving wife, Mary, of 28 years he leaves his adoring daughter Jessica Rose Burke, a brother Robert J. Burke, Jr. and his wife Janice of Tully, NY, a sister Patricia B. O'Brien and her husband Denis of Erie, PA. Tom also leaves and additional six brothers-in-law and six sisters-in-law. He was affectionately referred to as Uncle Tom by his 16 nieces and nephews; and 7 great-nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased in death by his parents and infant brother, Edmond. Always the fierce competitor, Tom, fought a courageous battle with cancer until the very end. The family would like to thank the entire staff of UCONN Farmington for their exceptional care and kindness. His family will receive friends Tuesday, June 11, 2019, from 6-8 p.m. at the Carmon Funeral Home & Family Center, 301 Country Club Road, Avon. Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Mass at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at the Church of Saint Patrick, 110 Main Street, Farmington, CT. Contributions may be made in lieu of flowers to the American Cancer Society or the Smilow Cancer Center. For directions or condolences, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com