Joseph Edward Ed"" Burke

Joseph Edward Burke, “Ed”, 81, of Wethersfield, beloved husband of Marie (Laraia) Burke, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on Sunday (April 21, 2013). Born in Boston, the son of Leonard and Velma (Corbett) Burke, he lived in Hartford for many years prior to moving to Wethersfield. He was a communicant of the Church of the Incarnation. He retired from Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in 1992 after 36 years of service. After retirement he was employed by the Stork Club transporting children to local schools. Ed was co-president of the Wethersfield Art League, volunteered for Foodshare, served on various committees at St. Augustine’s and was a past president of the South Catholic Fathers Club. He loved to make hand crafted gifts for family and friends and hobbies included painting, woodworking, gardening and traveling. Ed enjoyed the beach and he and Marie always welcomed loved ones to their cottage in Fenwood. A life long sports fan, Ed especially loved cheering for the Boston Red Sox, the New York Giants and UCONN athletics. Ed was a compassionate man who wanted to save the world, his glass was always half full. Besides his beloved wife Marie of 57 years, Ed is survived by four children; a daughter, Cathy Hebert and her husband Paul of Wethersfield; three sons, Joseph Burke, Jr. and his wife Wendy of Hebron, Gregory Burke and his wife Susan of West Hartland and Robert Burke and his wife Donna of Hebron, a brother, William Burke and his wife Nancy of Florida; seven sisters, Kathleen Ford of Arizona, Marilyn Yakaitis of Windsor, Eleanor Minik of Mystic, Gloria Muscianisi and her husband Russ of New Mexico, Eileen Beauregard and her husband Bob of Colorado, Dorothy Conlogue of Maine and Carol Seretto and her husband Larry of East Granby as well as eight grandchildren, Michael and Molly Hebert, Gregory, Tyler, Patrick, Kara, Brendan and Jeremy Burke. He was predeceased by a brother, Leonard. Ed’s family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Vitas Hospice for the support, care and love given to Ed and his entire family.

Calling hours will be held from 2-5 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, at the D’Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, April 29, at 10 a.m. at the Church of the Incarnation, 544 Prospect Street, Wethersfield. Everyone is asked to go directly to the church. Burial will follow in Cedar Hill Cemetery, Hartford. Memorial contributions may be made to Foodshare, 450 Woodland Avenue, Bloomfield, CT 06002. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.