Joseph "Joe" Burke

NEW IBERIA – Funeral services will be celebrated for Joseph “Joe” Burke, age 73, at 1:00 pm, Monday, December 22, 2014 at Evangeline Funeral Home. Deacon Theo Landry will officiate. Joe will be laid to rest with his son, at Holy Family Cemetery.

A gathering of family and friends will be held at Evangeline Funeral Home on Monday from 9:00 am until services.

Joseph Stephen Burke was born December 10, 1941 in Philadelphia, PA to the late Elsie Saldini McCabe Burke and Joseph John Burke. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at Iberia Medical Center, surrounded by his family and friends.

Joe, as he was affectionately called, was a proud veteran of the United States Navy serving his country from 1960 – 1969 as a flight mechanic/Engineer. His pride and love of his country brought him to a membership with the American Legion Post 335 of New Iberia, where he was able to share his times in service with other Veterans.

Joe also had a love of dancing, woodworking, model trains, reading thoroughly on any subject (especially military history), and WWII shows and documentaries. Many will miss him for his ability to carry on conversation with anyone, and his wonderful story telling of days gone by. His kind spirit will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Debbie Ridge Burke of Youngsville; his sons, Jerry and Tony from his 1st marriage to Betty Comeaux; his beloved corgi dog, Patty Burke; and his beloved colorpoint cat, Eric Burke, who both brought him and Debbie so much love and joy.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Ian Christopher Burke; and brothers and sister, John and Stephen McCabe, and Eleanor McCabe.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mark and Eddie Ridge, Shannon Migues, and James and Thomas Dean.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joe’s name to Patient Services, Inc., 310 East Boundary Court, Midlothian, VA 23112, who graciously provided Joe with oral chemotherapy medication.

To view the online obituary and sign the guestbook, please visit www.evangelinefuneralhome.com

Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia (337) 364-1881 is in charge of arrangements.