John J. Burke

Burke, John Joseph, 86, of Winter Park, FL passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 16, 2011. He was born on September 21st, 1924 in Brooklyn, New York to the late Patrick and Mary Burke, Ellis Island Irish immigrants and was a loving son-in-law to John and Adeline Gillin, also Ellis Island Irish immigrants. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Virginia Gillin Burke, 1975, and infant son Richard Gavin Burke, 1949.

He served with the 13th Air Force as a Sergeant in the Seventh Radio Squadron, spending 22 months in New Guinea, South Philippines as a Mobile Interceptor. His successful service awarded him the American Service Medal, Pacific Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon and the WWII Victory Medal.

He reenlisted into the Army, March 12th, 1946 and was honorably discharged March 11th, 1949. He then joined the New York National Guard where he was a Corporal of Company H, 165th Infantry and was honorably discharged May 9th, 1950 in New York, NY.

He and Virginia, and daughters, Aurelie and Susan, moved to Florida in 1958, when in 1960 they were blessed with the birth of son, Stephen. He was employed in the Advertising Department of the Orlando Sentinel for 19 years. He was then employed in the apartment management industry as Executive Director with Mahaffey Corporation both in Central and West Florida for 25 years. His golden years of employment were spent as the dedicated courier for Central Florida Reporters, Inc. where he was affectionately known to everyone as “Daddy-O.” His final day of employment was Friday, June 3rd, 2011.

John’s greatest joy was his three successful children, Aurelie (Daniel) Bower, Susan (Rodger) England, Stephen (Marsha) Burke; two incredible grandsons, Christopher Bower and Patrick (Daniele) Bower and two beautiful granddaughters Sydney and Lauren Burke.

The legacy John Burke leaves behind will be his love for his family, his gold standard work ethic, an incredible sense of humor and a tremendous passion for his country. He was a devoted supporter of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. He will be greatly missed by his family and all who knew and loved him. His children would like to thank all the medical professionals who over the many years provided amazing health care and support.

Visitation will be held on Friday, June 24th, 2011 at Carey Hand Cox-Parker Funeral Home, 1350 West Fairbanks Avenue, Winter Park, FL from 5-8pm. Mass will be held on Saturday, June 25th, 2011 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church, 4001 Edgewater Drive, Orlando, FL at 10am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Hospice of the Comforter, 480 West Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714.

For more information, please visit www.carey-handcox.com