H. Maurice Burke

Mo was born in Hyannis, Massachusetts to Henry and Pauline (Edgington) Burke on April 10, 1935. He graduated from Hampden DuBose Academy, Zellwood, Florida in 1953 and went on to attend Barrington College, Rhode Island, earning a B.A. in Education in 1957. He later received a Master’s in Education from Bridgewater State University.

Over the next few years, he and his wife Sylvia taught in various Christian schools in the United States. They then taught for many years in missionary schools in Ecuador, Taiwan, and Panama. Mo was loved by his students for his wit and the care he showed them. His love of sports made him an effective coach. A skilled carpenter, Mo also worked as a contractor and built his own home.

One of his great passions was Sandwich Mini Golf, the 36-hole miniature golf course he designed and built, starting as a teenager when he filled in a swamp on his parents’ property and began constructing the course along a natural stream. From the covered bridge to the beautifully hand-carved signs and lovely flowers and shrubs, Mo’s unique course still draws visitors from all over the world. He lovingly incorporated many of his family’s travels and adventures into its design.

Mo was the beloved husband of Sylvia (Mitchell) Burke, with whom he shared 69 beautiful years. They traveled the world together, visiting all 50 states and all seven continents. They visited Israel ten times, and served in the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) as volunteers twice. As avid mountain climbers, they reached summits in North and South America, Europe, and Asia.

He was a long-time member of The New Testament Church of Cedarville, where he was known for leading the congregation in seven “HALLELUJAHS!” He let his light shine for the Lord he loved wherever he went.

Mo is survived by his wife, Sylvia; by his children: David (Erin) Burke of Sandwich, MA and Deborah (Michael) Jones of Enterprise, AL; by his daughter-in-law, Marnie Burke, of Aurora CO; and by his Taiwanese daughter, Annie (David) Pan of Frisco, TX.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Jordan and Jasmine Jones, Molly Schultz, Abigail and Derek Burke, and Rachel and Samuel Burke. In addition, he is survived by his great grandchildren, Theodore and Benjamin Schultz.

Mo also leaves behind his brother, John Burke of Falmouth, MA, as well as three nephews and too many lifelong friends to count.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Pauline Burke, and by his son, Daniel Burke.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to The New Testament Church of Cedarville.

Family and friends are invited to attend his Celebration of Life service at The New Testament Church (1120 Long Pond Road, Plymouth, MA) on Sunday, October 11, 2026, from 4-6 pm.

Mo will be laid to rest at the Sandwich Town Cemetery on Monday, October 12, 2026 at 10am. Family and friends are welcome to attend the burial.