Thomas G. Burke

Thomas G. Burke passed away peacefully on February 17, 2022 at Graceville Estate in Chandler, Arizona after a courageous battle with cancer. Tom was very fond of his caregivers, and needless to say, they felt the same way about him. His winsome personality won them over immediately.

Tom was born on January 8, 1955, in Hermon, New York to Carl and Belle Burke. Tom worked on the family dairy farm while attending school until 1973, when he left to join the United States Marine Corp and was assigned to the Marine Corps Base on Paris Island, South Carolina. Tom took great pride in being part of the Marine Corps and loved to reminisce about his 12 years of duty. He often stated the Marine Corps motto, “Semper Fidelis”, (Always Faithful). Tom attained the rank of SGT and primarily worked as an Airplane Ordinance Technician, and did he love his aircraft! He received many decorations which included Meritorious Mast, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and a National Defense Service Ribbon.

Tom is survived by his two daughters, Beverly Sage, and Pennie Alger, two grandchildren, Parker and Logan, and his companion and faithful friend Betty Castro. He is also survived by his siblings John Burke, Trish Laurrell, Mary Aldrich, Chris Burke, Jan Wood, and Percy Burke. He is preceded in death by his wife Barbara Burke and his sister Sue Ellen Storie.

Tom’s deep Catholic faith was an integral part of his life, and he lived his faith proudly, He attended daily mass, recited the rosary daily, and was often observed making the Sign of the Cross and reciting grace before his meals, even in public.

Tom was a 4th degree member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Juan Diego Church in Chandler. Sadly for him, his physical condition for the last few months kept him from active participation.

A funeral service in memory of Thomas Burke will be held on Monday, March 14th at St. Juan Diego Church in Chandler. The rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Mass at 10:00 a. m. Tom will be laid to rest at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona on Thursday March 17th at 10:30AM. Memorial donations in memory of Tom may be made to Graceville estates, Hospice of the Valley, St. Juan Diego Church, or the Knights of Columbus at St. Juan Diego Church.

His family wishes to thank his caregivers, Rodel and Vi; Deb Nash, his Case Manager at Sante Rehab; the staff at Virginia G. Piper Cancer Center – especially Dr. Singavi, Olivia, and Bonnie; Tracy and Nick DiMambro, and the Veteran’s Administration.

A reception to celebrate Tom’s life will be held following the Mass.