James Andrew Burke, a 16 year resident of Saugus and former 17 year resident of Melrose and 7 year resident of Malden, entered into eternal life unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 18, 2014 at his home in Saugus. He was 65 years old.
James was born in Somerville on September 6, 1948, a son of the late Arthur J. Burke and Anne E. (Breen) Burke. He grew up in Charlestown until the age of 7 when his family moved to Medford. He attended Immaculate Conception Parochial School in Malden and graduated from Malden Catholic High School in Malden in 1966. He furthered his education and took courses at Bentley College for 2 years. James worked as an Office Manager for Arthur G. Silk Company at the produce center in Chelsea. He retired in 2003 after 28 years of faithful service to the company. James was an avid Boston sports fan and enjoyed reading and playing golf at Mt. Hood in Melrose. He enjoyed the quality time he was able to spend with his family at Pine Point Beach in Maine. He was a former member of the Malden Hibernians.
James is the adored husband of 42 years to Roberta R. (Rush) Burke. He is the devoted father of Jennifer Reppucci and her husband Dennis of Wilmington and Andrew Burke and his companion Abbey Shoemaker of Saugus. He is the loving Papa to Dennis Reppucci Jr. and Anne Reppucci. He is the beloved brother of the late Arthur Burke Jr., Daniel Burke and Andrew Burke. He is the brother-in-law of Martha Rush-O'Mara and her husband Robert of Melrose and Barbara Rush and her wife Patricia McCormack of Saugus. He is the loving uncle to Molly and Dan O'Mara.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend James Funeral on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 9 A.M. from The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose followed by his Funeral Mass in St. Joseph's Church, 173 Albion St. Wakefield at 10 A.M. Interment will be at St. Patrick's Cemetery in Stoneham. Visiting hours will be on Friday, February 21, 2014 from 4 to 8 P.M. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in James name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tennessee 38105.