Tom is larger then life,I have known since grade school....the Summer of 65 !, Tom, Lou Burnett, Rusty Engle and I, What memories as Tom would lead us on some real adventures. But,.when I would run into Tom later in life,whether at Card shows or some of his business ventures, he always spoke of his family first.

Tom and I go back to grade school, he is larger then life and there are many good memories.His love of his family was always evident to me when we would meet at Sportcard shows and he will be missed.

Dear Eileen, Kelley & Chelsea,  We, too, wish to extend our deepest sympathy on the passing of Tom.  Reading these beautiful tributes brings back fond memories of our time together as our girls were growing up.  It was not softball, but ice skating that brought us together, but it was kindness and caring that kept us together all those years. Please call when you are ready---we are still in Orlando at the same address and phone.  May he rest in peace and love to you, Carol, Jim & Becky Sluss

TEN THINGS I REMEMBER ABOUT TOM BURKE
1.HE WAS BIGGER THAN LIFE! 
2.HE NEVER DID ANYTHING HALF-WAY!
3.HE WAS TOTALLY HONEST!
4. HE LOVED A CHALLENGE
5. HE WAS LOVED BY EVERYONE!
6.HE INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE AND EVERYONE WITH WHOM HE
 CAME IN CONTACT!
7.HE LOVED SPORTS TO THE MAX!
8.HE COULD DRIVE A SCHOOL BUS TO MILWAUKEE AND BACK CONTAINING THE CSU PEP BAND, CHEERLEADERS, A WIFE, TWO KIDS, AND TWO ST. BERNARD DOGS...THROUGH A BLIZZARD!
9.HE LOVED HIS IRISH ANCESTRY!
10. HE ALWAYS KNEW HOW TO 'GIT 'ER DONE!
CLEVELAND STATE ATHLETICS HAS NEVER BEEN THE SAME.
OUR SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY.
(COACH) TOM McMAHON

Praying for strength and faith for you and your family.

Dear family, Tom was a great guy and will be missed tremendously. His heart was as big as he was. He was a real joy to be around and left my daughter & I with great memories while we were in the Indian Princesses. The picture of him that you have posted on the opposite side of this says it all. He touched a lot of lives and helped change the world for the better.

Eileen,
Pitter and I join you in your loss of Tom. Our memories of Tom, both political and social, are the best.  We hope to join you on the 14th.

Eileen, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you at this difficult time.

Eileen, Kelley, and Chelsea: We are so sorry for your loss. My memories of Tom include his laughter and love of life. He made all our visits with the McNally crew a real celebration. I think your Memorial for him at the Park is a wonderful idea.

Eileen,Kelley and Chelsea--Tom was my best friend, and I loved him like a brother.  We met each other in school in 1957, became friends, and have never looked back.  I hope you find some comfort in knowing that many people feel your loss and are with you in this time of sorrow.  He was truly one of a kind.

Eileen, I am so sorry for your loss.  My thoughts, prayers and sympathies go out to you and your daughters.  May God Bless you at this most difficult time.

Deborah Brewer
Auxiliary Services Office
CMSD

Coach Burke was an amazing man. He taught me so much and got me started in my favorite sport ever. He took the time and saw things in me that no other coach, even to this day, has ever seen, He cared about each of his players as if they were his own kids. His kind heart and amazing knowledge on everything taught me not only how to be an amazing player in the sport of fastpitch softball, but also in life. His smiles and laughs could light up any room. He lives on through his amazing children and wife, and will never be forgotten. Every time I step on the field I thank Mr. Burke, because if it weren't for him me and many other girls would have never gotten their start. He was a staple in fastpitch softball for Strongsville and he will always be in my thoughts and memories. He had a warm heart an amazing mind, and was one of the best coaches i have ever had the pleasure to play for. I will never forget Coach Burke. Best wishes to his family. Coach Burke, you will be missed dearly!

-Danielle Evancho and Family

Dear Eileen, Kelly and Chelsea,
Please accept our deepest sympathy in the loss of your loving husband and father.  I know how close you guys were.  He will be missed.  May your wonderful family memories sustain you as you grieve this sudden loss.

Dear Eileen and Chelsea, We are very sorry to hear about Tom.  We really enjoyed all the fun times traveling around with you folks, and have nothing but good memories.
Your family is in our prayers.

Gary and Val Fisher

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your daughters in this time of need.
Paula. Sheets

My deepest sympathy on the loss of Tom. He was a great man and an amazing softball coach. He taught me and many many others so much , not only about softball but about life as well. He always knew how to make you laugh. He was dedicated to helping our team learn and make us into the best ball player we could be. He truly cared about us as individuals and had a great heart. I'll always have those memories of fun softball games and great advice. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with the family. He will always be with you!

Dear Eileen, Kelly, and 
Chelsea, the entire Hamilton Family sends their deepest condolences to you in this sad hour.  Thomas was a good friend, always helping others.  He certainly helped us out in our darkest times.  He worked so hard with the Indian Princesses to provide an experience that none of the families will ever forget.  We so loved doing the Monsters of Rock and Roll with all of you!  Tom will be missed greatly!

Dear Eileen Kelley and Chelsea. I am deeply saddened by Tom's passing. I treasure all the good times we had together. We had many laughs and interesting experiences. He was truly "one of a kind"! For many years I was a part of the family and watched the kids growing up.
They were good times! May he rest in peace. With Love, David Smith

Dear Eileen, Kelly and Chelsea, Marianne,Christa, Michael, Matthew and I want to extend Our Deepest Sympathy on the loss of Tom. He was such a big part of the great memories we all shared with the Crooked River Longhouse. I enjoyed many great conversations with Tom when I held him captive in my chair for many haircuts. He will truly be missed. May God Bless All of You. Chuck Naso and Family

My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time.

Eileen, Kelley and Chelsea, Don and I are saddened by the loss of Tom.  We have many fond memories of him.  Our friends still talk about the time he brought home all the lobsters and had an inpromptu party and lets not forget the Christmas lights!  Tom lived life to the fullest and was a joy to be around.  He will be with you always.  Love and prayers to you.  Don & Judy

Eileen, Kelley and Chelsea...we are so sorry!  We loved your Dad so much and he was an important part of our lives.  He loved you all very much and will always be watching over you.  You have so many wonderful memories to keep with you always.  He will never be forgotten!
We love you all!
Jill and John

OBITUARY

Thomas Edward Burke III

February 10, 1947 – July 26, 2011

Craciun Funeral Home

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