John was born on July 22, 1961, in Charlottesville, VA, to John and Lila Mae Burke. John graduated from Charlottesville High School and attended PVCC. He worked alongside his father until his death in the family business, Burke’s Exterminating. He continued running the business until 1996 when he began working for the Albemarle County Schools in instructional technology support. He retired from the county after 25 years of service in January of this year. His technology skills were all self-taught and he was known for his kind, funny and warm personality. He loved the kids at his elementary schools and often told stories about them to his family and friends. He was always the fun uncle in the family, known for his jokes and the height at which he could throw a child in the air and still catch them. He always put himself second behind his family and was always there for them.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Lila Mae and John R, Burke, Sr., his brother and sister-in-law, Leon and Bonnie Burke, and his sister, Sheila Burke Cole.
John is survived by his wife of 35 years, Lois Burke of Charlottesville, and their daughter, Kayti Burke. In addition, he is survived by two sisters, Sharron Tabelle (George) and Joy Shifflette (George), his in-laws, Harvey and Mabel Brown, 10 nieces and nephews and many beloved great-nieces, nephews and friends. He is also greatly loved and missed by his “fur” babies - Rosy and Sophie.
A celebration of John’s life will be held at a later date. The family would like to thank the staff of the Emily Couric Cancer Center Neuro-oncology department and Infusion Center for all their wonderful and loving care. Dr. Camilo Fadul, James Kearns and Amanda Lane - you are our angels and we will forever consider you part of our family.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to “Dr. Fadul Research Fund – 22178” at UVA Health. For more information regarding memorial contributions, please contact the family or go to https://tinyurl.com/JBurke-Memorial.
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