Christopher J. Burke

Chris Burke, known as Sean by family, was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 28, 1959. The son of Irish immigrants, he will be buried near his parents Therese and Bart Burke in Florida. Attending both East Leyden H.S. in Franklin Park and Addison Trail H.S., Sean ran cross country and track, lettering many times. His love for running lasted many years. He was also fond of wrestling, volleyball, croquet, and music.  

Sean attended the University of Illinois Chicago Circle to become a Structural Engineer with a decades long career. His work can be found all over Chicagoland. While driving, he would point out buildings he did drawings for, bridges that he helped engineer, landmarks that he contributed to. 

For his nieces and nephews, he gave an appreciation for life, and advice only when needed. He always welcomed visitors in with a cup of tea and a frosted oatmeal cookie or a slice of coffee cake. Sean also loved a good “harmless” practical joke.

Sean lived with his sister Anne and her husband Dennis for a few years and was godfather to their son Paul. This bond grew stronger with Sean traveling to see Paul play college football and to visit Florida.  

Sean, with his father Bart, volunteered at the Irish American Heritage Center on weekends, doing all sorts of labor and construction projects--making friends with other community workers. 

His house was adorned with his mother Therese’s paintings of Ireland, Florida, and Chicagoland. After she died, Sean became caretaker for his father who moved up from Florida. Their friendship bloomed like shamrocks in the winter as Bart pushed into his 90’s. 

Sean lived a good life. He was kind, gentle, and a little bit stubborn to the end. Sadness is upon us with his death. 

Christopher John “Sean” Burke is survived by his loving siblings Marge (Harold), Pat (Jackie), Anne, and Tom (Caryl). He had many nieces and nephews who loved him and who are heartbroken by his unexpected death, Bart, Theresa, Harold John, Rich, Dan, George, Caitlin, Clinton, Angela, Paul, Mikey, and Rowen and 23 grandnieces and grandnephews. He was proceeded in death by his mother and father Therese and Bartholomew Burke, and his brother-in-law Dennis. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the Irish American Heritage Center. 

The family wishes to thank loved ones, cousins, friends and neighbors, for your sympathy and kindness.