Obituary of John F. Burke
John F. Burke died on February 11, 2019 at the age of 93 at Light Hill Comfort Care Home in Canandaigua, NY. He is survived by his wife of 66 years Joan (Sharpe) Burke; his seven children Patrick (Gail) Burke, Molly Burke, Laureen (Ted Shepard) Burke, Margaret Burke, Adrian (Nancy) Burke, David (Judith) Burke, Frances (John) Karas; grandchildren Brian (Mary) Burke, Daniel (Sara) Burke, Kathleen (Brett) Dameron, Alexander Botoman, Maureen Botoman, Caitlin (Bennett) Kireker, Patrick Sutter, Michael Sutter, Matthew Sutter, Jacqueline (Sam) Madden, James Burke, Andrew Burke, Grace Burke, Jack Burke, Julia Karas, Jay Karas; and great grandchildren Olivia, Aiden and Benjamin Burke.
John graduated from Central Catholic High School in Troy, NY and served in the Pacific in the United States Navy in World War II. After his service he graduated from St. Michael’s College in Burlington, VT and from the University of Notre Dame Law School in 1953. Upon graduation John commenced his law practice in Rochester and was an attorney engaged in litigation and the general practice of law for 37 years until his retirement in 1992. He was a well-respected advocate and mentor and as a result four of his children and two of his grandchildren have pursued the practice of law as a profession.
John and Joan raised their family in the Browncroft Boulevard section of the 21st Ward at St. John the Evangelist Parish and the family enjoyed their summers together at home on Eagle Point on Conesus Lake for over 40 years. John was an integral part of any community he belonged to, most recently at Cloverwood Senior Living in Pittsford.
John was well known in the community as an avid runner having completed over 20 marathons and up until a couple years ago, he could be seen jogging on the canal or attending local races.
He was a devoted husband and patriarch of the family and will be missed by all.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Monday March 4, 2019 at 11AM at St. Louis Catholic Church in Pittsford, NY. Final interment is at Holy Sepulchre Ascension Garden in Henrietta, NY.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in his memory to Light Hill Comfort Care Home at 5160 Parish St. Extension, Canandaigua, NY 14424 and to St. Louis Catholic Church at 64 S. Main St., Pittsford, NY 14534.
