Obituary of Thomas James Burke

Thomas James Burke, 97, of Albertson, NY and formerly of Flushing, NY passed peacefully in his sleep on October 15, 2024. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather.  Tom touched many lives both at home and within the community and was deeply loved and respected. He cherished his wife Barbara Kennedy Burke to whom he was married 68 years and cared for her compassionately at home through her long illness until her passing in 2018. He was also predeceased by his parents Michael Burke and Bridget Mary Harris Burke, brother Richard and sisters Marion Burke Carberry and Lillian Burke Smith Quinn. 

The gift of family meant everything to Tom and Barbara. Tom was a devoted and loving father to his five children: Kathleen Burke (Stephen) Kelleher; Barbara Burke (Robert) Nelson; Lorraine Burke (Robert) Reich; Thomas (Soley) Burke and Theresa Burke (Stephen) Yarri. He supported and loved his 15 grandchildren: (Ally Yarri, Matt Yarri, Michael (Marissa) Burke, Kelly  Burke (Kevin) Petrosino, Dan (Lindsey) Burke, Jenn Reich (Jonathan) Jamet, Chris (Kim) Reich, Bobby (Amy) Reich,  Kate Nelson (Chris) Storms, Brendan (Donna) Nelson, Meghan Nelson (Nick) Grieco, Tom (Maggie) Kelleher, Stephen (Candice) Kelleher Corvetti, Erin Kelleher (Dan) Patisteas, and Mary Kelleher (Jake) Millette and 29 great grandchildren: Weston and Mason Burke; Aiden, Ryan and Teagan  Petrosino; Nolan and Brendan Burke; Henry and Lucie Jamet; George and Christopher Reich; Cassidy and Reagan Reich; Annika and Gunnar Nelson; Morgan and Madeline Storms; Kevin and Mia Grieco; Sylvia Kelleher; Simon, Claire, and Josephine Corvetti;  Luke, Graham and Zoe Patisteas;  and Alice, Ben and Connor Millette.

Tom was born on April 30, 1927, and lived most of his life in his family home in Flushing until moving to Albertson in 2010.  He was a proud alumnus of St Mary’s School, Flushing, Bishop Loughlin HS and St John’s University. He served as a Navy Corpsman during World War II and was a dedicated employee at Met Life for over 40 years. 

Tom was a committed volunteer in his communities especially in activities related to social service and his Catholic Faith. As a long-time member of St Kevin’s Parish, Flushing and a more recent member of St Aidan’s parish in Williston Park, he served as eucharistic minister, a catechist and was active in St Vincent de Paul, Holy Name, Knights of Columbus, CYO, Senior Club and the Men’s Prayer Group. He received the Vincentian award at St. John’s University for exceptional service to others. Together with Barbara, he served as a Marriage Encounter team member for many years beginning during its early development in 1968 and traveling with the program to guide retreats in many states and Europe. 

Tom was enthusiastic about sports, engaging in softball, track and football with the Flushing Robins as a youth and walking with vigor as he navigated the subways and his favorite city, New York. He loved sharing his city with family and especially enjoyed any sports or academic event involving his children and grands …cheering them on and retelling their accomplishments. The Mets were a favorite and he often ended the day watching baseball. He had a green thumb and a knack for fixing things preferring to “make it work” before replacing and often had a part that he had saved and the right tool ready. He encouraged others to watch, learn and participate in the process.   He was proud to be Irish and an American and fondly participated in celebrating his culture and gratitude for his country and the service of veterans. One of his biggest challenges and gift to his family was his successful work with AA and the continued assistance he provided as a sponsor to others in the program.  

A final wish of spending his last years in his home could not have been granted by his family without the support of the staff of Care Connections (especially Magalie, Nerlange, Melissa, Naika, Marie, Deedre and Beth), Northwell Hospice, his health care team, relatives, friends and neighbors who supported us all on his journey. We will always be grateful for your smiles and your skillful and compassionate care.  

Visitation will be held at Weigand Funeral Home on Saturday 10/19 and Sunday 10/20 from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St Aidan's Church, Williston Park, NY on Monday 10/21 at 10 am with burial to follow at Holy Rood Cemetery, Westbury, NY.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Tom’s memory to Northwell Hospice, St John’s University, your local chapter of St Vincent de Paul or other social ministry of your choice.