From the time I was small,
I looked up to you.
And now that I've grown up.
You're the hero, I never outgrew.

From sitting atop giant shoulders,
To see above the crowd.
To swinging from strong arms,
And hanging upside down.

To running alongside my bike,
To teaching strength when I would fall.
To insisting I work hard in school,
To loving me through it all.

Growing up is often hard,
Dad, your presence lit my way.
You led me along life's path,
Beside me all the way.

I want to say I love you,
For all the years together we have had.
In my heart you are my hero, I will miss you dearly.

Love you,
Karen

I think we can all agree that the past few months have not been easy. We've all gone into a store and forgotten what we were there for; we've all picked up the phone and forgotten who we were calling. We've all bathed in another patient's handicap shower, help button and all, at Villa Marie Claire. 

Oh waitthat one might have only been Nan. 
You would think all those years of working for A. Burke Plumbing would teach her a thing or two about walk in showers.

For me personally, it was this summer that I realized the effects of watching a loved one suffer when  I kid you not  I stood at the center island and struggled to open a bottle of Pinot Grigio. Usually it wouldn't be surprising that it was Pop who came to my rescue, but given the circumstances- and the fact that I had never once seen him open a bottle of wine- I was a bit taken back when he took the bottle from my hands, opened it effortlessly, and then told me to go get him an O'Doul's. 

But that was Pop, always full of surprises.
However, the point of this story isn't to talk about a man of mystery. In fact, it's quite the contrary. Pop had his routines  and his routines taught us lessons  and I don't think there is a UPS box big enough in this entire world to hold all of the lessons he shared with us over the amazing years, months, days, hours, minutes, and seconds we had with him.  
But, given that the first life lesson Pop ever taught us was perseverance, I'm sure as hell going to try. If I didn't, I know he'd knock my block off. 

Lesson #1: shoe shiner; when Pop was a child- probably around Joey's age- his family literally didn't have enough money for food. Ever resourceful, Pop started his own little shoe shining business underneath the bar where he lived and collected enough money each and every day just to eat. 
BUT, not surprisingly, that's not all he did. 

Which brings us to lesson number two. Karma. Though his first goal in shining shoes was quite literally to survive, Pop always insisted on sharing his wealth- even as a child. Each day he saved half the tips he earned and put them in a jar for the Sister Kenny Foundation. In awe of the little boy who was determined and charitable far beyond his years, the men who used to hang out at the bar put Pop's story in the Jersey Journal. The story gathered enough attention and in turn, money, that these men went out and surprised Pop the two wheeler Schwin bicycle of his dreams  it appears that what goes around truly does come around. 

Lesson # 3: baby oil, the only facial product that Pop ever needed. It appears he was right in his belief that it prevented wrinkles, but it also showed us that age is just a number and that you can always hold onto your youth. 

Lesson # 4: UPS flyers. We've all heard stories of Pop's UPS days: the routes he'd take, the conditions he'd drive in, the tips he'd get around the holidays. But what he failed to mention- what he didn't need to mention- was the underlying message behind these stories: humilityno matter where he went, Pop always remembered where he came from. 

Lesson # 5: yellow, Pop's favorite color, which reminds us that we can find light in the darkest of placessometimes we just have to bring it ourselves. Take Meg's shoes for exampleher brightness, even today, is nearly blinding. 

Lesson #6: Pop's token white sweatshirt, the epitome of his modesty, no matter how good looking or how talented he was.
And, as his five daughters and seven granddaughters know all too well, if we're going out at night, especially in a sleeveless dress, we better put on our own damn sweatshirt and cover up. 

Lesson #7: eventually Pop incorporated our school sweatshirts into his wardrobe, including this Penn sweatshirt, which I thought he'd never wear. Though humble and modest, Pop was ALWAYS proud of how far we've come. Anyone in Spirits could list the names of his five daughters and eleven grandchildren, and tell you what they were up to at any given moment. 

Lesson #8: scratch off tickets; whether it was the pick six or his infamous scratch offs, Pop taught us to never lose faitheven when the odds are incredibly against you and you'll likely end up losing far more money than you'll win. 

Lesson #9: a twenty spot; which he handed out wherever we went- the boardwalk, the mall, the movies. Despite the fact that he never really did hit the pick six, Pop's generosity never wavered. He truly was the single most generous man I have ever met in my life and I see that trait in each and every one of us. Just tell my mom that you like her bracelet on Christmas. I guarantee she'll take it off and put it directly on your wrist. 

Lesson # 10: bagels; which he would pick up (with Devonne) before anyone else was awake every morning, holidays included. While spoiling us with carbs, Pop taught us the value of tradition, and until I get diabetes, this is one I'll take with me for generations to come. 

Lesson # 11: a squirt gunone of the many devices he used to prank us. Pop was always the first one to stick out a foot, poke a rolled up paper towel in your ear, jump out of a closet, anything to scare the crap out of usbut more importantly, to remind us of the significance of laughter. 

Lesson # 12: music; oh did Pop love his music. He taught us to dance like no one was watching, but sing like the entire world was. Unfortunately Taylor is the only one who inherited his voice, but In the Still of the Night will forever be my go-to karaoke song, no matter how many people leave midway through. 

Lesson # 13: if I could fit you all in this box I would, because the single most important thing in Pop's life was family. 
I don't even think this one needs an explanation. 
Just look around you. This was his everything. This is and forever will be our everything. Pop, you're the one that started it all and that is a gift that we will NEVER take for granted. I know you're looking down on us so proud of the family you created, so happy that we're all together and so desperate for us to smile. Which brings me to the last item in this box. 

Lesson# 14: Budweiser. Because life is short and meant to be celebrated. And, as you taught us all, the only way to celebrate life is over a libation. So Pop, this one's for you. 
I know you're up there having one with me, smiling because the beer tastes better in heaven. 

Arrivederci.

I want to first thank everyone for honoring my father . A man with a golden heart. A devoted husband, a loving father, a proud and playful grandfather, a supportive brother, a caring uncle, and a generous friend to all.  I am filled with admiration to be surrounded by the people whose lives he has touched and whose lives have touched his.   

In reflecting on his life, I began to realize for the first time how truly balanced a man he was. He exemplified the yin and yang of life, which has convinced me of why he has never developed wrinkles (although he'll swear it's the baby oil). He was strikingly good looking yet his inner beauty was even more profound. He was incredibly strong and tough  yet vulnerable and thrived on the love of his family. He was quiet and private in the comfort of his own home yet the life of the party in social settings, gifting everyone with his undeniably great singing talent.  He was hard working his whole lifeyet would give the last dollar in his pocket to someone less fortunate. My father was a helper to any and all.  Whether he was giving half of his hard earned shoe shining money to the church at age 7, to feeding rabbits and deer in the yard, to offering to take an entire family home on New Year's Eve when they had nowhere to go.  His motto in life as he so often reminded us was caring and sharing and not only lived by this golden rule, but instilled it in his children and grandchildren.  

Without question, the most important aspect of his life was his family.  He was so very proud of each one of us and never let a moment go by without acknowledging how lucky we all were to have each other. Every family gathering was a party and recognition of how very strong our bond was.  He always made a point to let us know how much he loved us.  In fact,  as my mother, sisters, and I surrounded him, his very last words were I love youall.  

My mother sustained a place as the rock in his shadow. She adored him beyond words and supported him to be the man he was for all of us. They are soulmates.  My parents walked miles and miles along the East Coast together. ..From Jersey City to Palisades Park, through various towns, to lakes in Whiting, through countless trips through malls, on all boardwalks of the Jersey shoreAnd they continued their walk together into his end of life in this world. I am in awe of my mother's love and dedication to her husband.  She would not leave his side. The image of her lying next to him the day before he passed will be forever etched in my mind.  She laid there for hours while stroking his face and reassured him that everything was ok and that he was an amazing man whom she loved with all her heart.  My father was a fighter, he fought for the love of his family. He held family love with the upmost respect and made us promise we would always be there for one another, which we will!
 
As I look at my amazing sisters, I see a unique part of my father in all of them.
In myselfI see his belief and faith that the love of a united family could conquer all.
In MicheleI see his undeniable loyalty, his protective instinct, and true commitment to family.
In SandyI see his free spirited nature, his charm, and his ability to engage a crowd.  
In KarenI see his kind and gentle side, his natural love of children, and his playfulness.
In Deb I see his distinct class, his selfless generosity, and his instinctual priority to always put family needs before all. 
In my mother I see his love. 
And in each of his grandchildren.. I see his legacy.
Thank you Dad for leaving this world a better place, you will be             Always honored,   Greatly missed, and Forever loved.               Shaboom!

Treasured Memories Of Our Pop

Pop is a man who cannot be described in words. Everyone who met him instantly wanted to befriend him.  Everyone who knew him absolutely loved him. And everyone who never met him, well, I am really sorry for them.   Lucky for me, I was in the circle closest to him: family.  

Pop taught us so many life lessons: selflessness, determination, the power of laughter, and the motto he lived by sharing is caring.  The most important lesson, though, was the importance of family.  As everyone knows, actions speak louder than words.  If you could observe Pop for one day, you would know that the thing he valued most in life was family.  Whether it be in the fact that he was married to the most amazing woman in the world for 55 years or that he worked alongside his brother for 26 years.   It could also be seen in his love for his children and the way he bragged about his grandkids.  Even towards the end, Pop never forgot the names of his family members (wife, siblings, kids, and grandkids included) nor their unique characteristics.  

Pop really knew how to make everyone feel special and loved.  He had a distinct bond with each member of the family.  Even though the family consisted of solely girls for 37 years, he still managed to make that connection with everyone. (Thankfully some boys came around because no one is sure how long that could have lasted). But in all sincerity Pop did have an extremely rare characteristic of making memories with every single person sitting here today.  To best describe this quality, every grandchild has given me a favorite memory with Pop.

My favorite memory (as many would guess) is waking up every Sunday morning to pick up bagels at Goldberg's in Westwood and then getting munchkins at Dunkin Donuts in Emerson.  No matter what, even if he and Nan came Friday, which means bagels on Saturday, we would always go for bagels and munchkins on Sunday. I could turn this into a story of its own but for the sake of brevity (and the fact that 10 other grandkids have stories just like this), I'll end my memory here. This tradition will never be forgotten, and I promise you Pop, that I will always carry it on. 

As most of you know, Bree is one of the more vain people you'll meet in your life, a trait that has only evolved from the time she was a child. Therefore, it was no surprise when she threw a minor temper tantrum over the prospect of ruining her perfect pony tail with a helmet, while riding bikes with Nan and Pop on the boardwalk. After an hour of patiently listening to Brielle screamand probably imagining the catastrophe of his being in the same situation, Pop finally found a yellow Barney helmet that would not only complement her outfit, but also showcase his favorite color. That was Pophe could relate to nearly anything, especially involving perfect hairand would do anything to keep his grandchildren safe, happy, and reflecting their amazing genes. 

Jess loved going to carnivals with Pop. Her favorite memory was when she was with her mom getting ice cream and he surprised them and paid for their ice creams.  He then put a $20 bill, or as we call it a twenty spot, in her tweety bird purse, leading to the nickname tweety spot pop.

Taylor loved being at Pop and Nan's, but more specifically she remembers the games Pop played with her.  When Pop was nowhere to be found, you could find him on the deck tossing quarters into the pool. Tay loved diving into the pool, finding the coins, and throwing them back.   Although this game seems ridiculous, she'll always remember the missions he sent her one to pick up more quarters than anyone else.

After work, Amber would always visit Pop and Nan's house to bring him his favorite snacks.  After years of going to candy stores in the mall with him, we all knew his favorites  rolos, skittles, donuts and ice cream.  Any time one of us takes a bite out of one of these, it will be in honor of him.

Every Friday night, Megan could be found at Pop and Nan's.  She loved spending time there, hanging out with our amazing grandparents. Meg and Pop had their traditions, as well; Megan was always the first to volunteer to bring Pop his snack  a gallon of ice cream in a bowl with an oversized spoon.

Every morning Pop spent at our house, Brett would sit outside the bathroom door waiting for Pop.  Eventually Pop would open the door so he and Brett could shave together  Brett sitting there with shaving cream on his face and Pop actually getting ready for the day.  Although Brett eventually grew out of the phase of watching Pop put in his dentures, the memory will last forever.

Pop also taught us basic skills in life, not just life lessons.  Just ask Kyra.  Her favorite memory was when Pop taught her how to ride a bike near the woods by her house.  Many kids remember when they learned to ride a bike, but I can promise you that not many shared this experience with their grandpas. 

Joey loved going to the Freehold Mall with Pop.  They had their routine: arrive at the mall, go to the food court, take a ride on the carousel, and then visit the water fountain. After this was all done, Pop would hand Joey his twenty spot to go get a toy.  Traditions like these made spending time with Pop unforgettable. 

We all remember even the smallest things Pop did, especially Brayden.  If you ask him his favorite memory, he'll tell you about all the hugs and kisses from Pop.  Although Pop was a jokester, shooting spitballs across the table, we'll always remember the love he had for us.

And finally Coleeven the youngest had his special memories with Pop.  Cole always recounts the memory of crawling up to Pop's room, taking off his shoes and snuggling with Pop.  He also loves the walks they used to take.

With 11 grandchildren, the average person would find it hard to keep this unique connection with each grandchild; Pop didn't.  He always had this special something.  These memories, and so many more, are the things we will miss most.  Although he physically may not be here anymore, I know he is going to be present more than ever.  I love you Pop.  I hope they're serving you bagels and candy in heaven.

Dear Pat and family, I am so sorry to hear of Joe's passing. Fifty five years together, you were truly blessed. What we all must remember at times like this, is that that the suffering is over and that we do all get reunited one day. Our prayers and thoughts go out to and your family. With sincerest and deepest sympathy, Brian & Robin and family.

Karen and family our deepest sympathy and respect on your loss. Great man, I know he will be missed. Craig, Valerie and Daniel Sclafane.

I am so sorry for the families loss. We couldnt have asked for better neighbors.       The Cucciniellos

my deepest sympathy to all of you! I'm very sorry for your loss,Mr.Burke was a great guy and he was very lucky to have a great wife and girls, and grandchildren !
May he RIP!!

  Patricia, Sorry to hear about your loss of your Husband Joseph.   Margaret and Eugene Lynch. Connor Lynch's Grandparents

Deepest sympathy to Pat and girls..Always in our prayers.  Pat & Russ Kamp

Sandy,Michele and family---I am so sorry for your loss. There is a special angel in heaven looking down on you. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Barbara told me about Uncle Joey. Sorry for your loss. Looking at the pictures bought back great memories of every time Uncle Bouby brought me to the house I was treated like family. My prayers are with you. 

Cathy Pastrana (Hayes)

Mr. Burke was warm and loving and kind. He made me feel like a part of the family. I have such great memories of him and will always keep him in my heart. Much Love to the entire Burke family.

Pat and family..Our thoughts and prayers are with you all..Joe has always been a pleasant gentleman and we are so happy to have known him and his family..Our deepest sympathy..God Bless  Bill and Judy Kline and Family

So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Uncle Joey will always hold a special place in my heart.  My deepest condolence to my Aunt Pat and family.

I love you all and will always cherish the memories of the many holidays and parties we shared.  Joey was always a joy.  We sat together on the porch for a portion of each occasion just so that we could talk.  Of course his singing was so magnificent that when he did sing I thought I was at a Broadway Production.  His love for all of you and his wonderful wife was an example that the whole world should follow.  I pray that your many fond memories will strengthen you in your grief.

Pat and girls so sorry for your loss I will always remember Joe when he came over his Brother John's house for parties he was always into the records singing along and dancing with his wife Pat My prayers are with you all

I am so sorry for the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, etc. When we lose a loved one, especially a husband, parent, or grandparent, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort of his memories and knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now.  I treasure the memories I have at the Burke house growing up. My heart felt condolences goes out to all of you. XO

I will always remember your 8th grade graduation party, when Joe and Uncle Artie were entertaining us with their smooth Doo-Wop voices. He always had that great smile and made me always feel like I was part of his family when I was around him. Joe may not be here physically with us but the great memories and the friendship that I share with his youngest daughter Jen, I will cherish for the rest of my life. God Bless you, may you rest in peace Mr. B.

He was the most amazing grandfather and person I have ever known. From the twenty spots at the mall, to every Friday night I spent with him and my grandmother, to hearing him sing better than most people who get paid to sing, I will forever be grateful for the memories and time I got to spend with him. He will always be the most important person to me. I love you always Pop, Rest Easy

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Joseph Burke

7 septembre 1940 – 12 avril 2015

Anderson & Campbell Funeral Home

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