Long time Staten Island resident William (Billy) Joseph Burke 54 passed away February 26, at Robert Wood Johnson Hospital New Brunswick as a result of COVID-19 complications. He was devoted heart and soul to his family. He is survived by his beloved children Hailey, Sara and William Burke, his proud parents Patricia Barone and William M. Burke and his loving sister and nephew Laura and Connor Johnson. In addition, he leaves behind many extended family members and friends who loved him. He brought much joy to everyone with his sense of humor, bright smile and was ability to engage with all people. He was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School for boys 1984. He was employed by Con Edison for several years until he fulfilled a life’s dream by becoming a New York Firefighter during 1995. He was passionate about his work and the ability to help people. He started his career in Harlem Engine 37, Ladder 40 and transferred to Staten Island Engine 166, Ladder 86. Billy was a 911 survivor who volunteered for several tours of clean up. He retired from the NYC Fire Department 2010. He was able to fulfill another long-time goal by establishing the William Joseph Trucking Company. From a very young age he loved the industry and worked for many years driving for different trucking companies. He loved any involvement with his children but particularly coaching basketball and baseball and attending dance recitals and plays. His pride for his children was immeasurable. Though no one can be considered a perfect person, our father always made sure to do all things possible to be the perfect dad. He always made sure to let his children know that they held the center of his heart, that they were his greatest achievements, and always made sure to remind us to never lose faith, because it was God that brought us to him. His Irish pride never failed to teach us that a pot of gold can be found at the center of the heart, and not always at the end of a Rainbow. He lit up every room he entered and made every stranger smile just by the sole presence of his uplifting spirit. Every laugh he could get out of someone made us feel that more blessed that he was our dad. He knew how to make the world lighter when it felt the heaviest. Though his role as a firefighter made us honor and worship him, that is not what made him our hero. It was always his role as a loving person and father. May you live forever in us dad, and may we bring the world the same joy you always did.
DONATIONS
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18