Robert Joseph Burke Sr.

"Life Is But A Wink In The Eye Of Time" Robert Joseph Burke, Sr., age 95, of McLean, VA and Northport, NY, passed peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2018 in the loving arms of his daughters at home in New York. Born March 16, 1922 in Hell's Kitchen, NY, he was the only child of Nelle Burke. Robert graduated from St. Nicholas of Tolentine in1940 and attended Manhattan College for 2 years. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted with the US Navy in 1942, serving aboard the TBF Avenger aircraft in the South Pacific. Robert was awarded four Distinguished Flying Crosses and a Purple Heart. In 1947, he married his devoted wife of 45 years, Cecelia O'Rourke Burke, and together they raised 5 children. Robert enjoyed a very successful business career, including the role as Executive Vice President for Giant Food, Inc. He was the loving father of five children; Kathy Burke Rhodes (John), Patricia Ann, Therese Lee, Robert Joseph, Jr. (Terry) and Michael Anthony, Sr. (Rosemary) and cherished grandfather of 13 grandchildren; H.L. (Trip) McLaughlin, III (Paula), Joshua M. McLaughlin (Stacey), McKaela Burke Doherty (Patrick), Joseph J. Brown (Normi), Megan Burke David (Ryan), Robert Joseph Burke, III, Garrett M. Burke (Kristen), Michael A. Burke, Jr., Bernadette D. Cole (Paul), Jack Robert Burke, Cecelia C. Burke, Lillie A. Burke, Joseph P. Burke, and 15 great-grandchildren; H.L. (Burke) McLaughlin, IV, Conor M. McLaughlin, Maeve R. McLaughlin, Madison M. McLaughlin, Riley L. McLaughlin, Declan Robert Doherty, Mairead Burke Doherty, Cian P. Doherty, Parker J. Brown, Ferris M. Brown, Ryan G. (Deuce) David, II, Nelle H. David, Charleston L. (Charleigh) Burke, Garrett Fitzgerald (Fitz) Burke, and Jillian Mary Cole. A visitation will be held on Friday, March 2, 2018 from 5 – 8 PM at Murphy Funeral Home, 1102 West Broad Street, Falls Church, VA. A funeral Mass will follow on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 1 PM at St. James Catholic Church, 905 Park Avenue, Falls Church, VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis TN, giftfunds.stjude.org/RJB. Online condolences may be made at www.murphyfuneralhomes.com