Richard “Dick” H. Burke 87 of Natick, died Thursday June 18 2015 at the Metro West Medical Center in Natick.
He was the beloved husband of Grace A. (Palladino) Burke sharing 59 years of marriage.
A Natick resident for 78 years he was born in Waltham the son of the late Firman and Edna (Robertson) Burke.
Mr. Burke was a well-known self-employed Commercial Photographer operating Dick Burke Photography. He is remembered by hundreds of area families as their family photographer for weddings and other special occasions. He began his career in 1947 previously working for Bachrach and Korday Studios, the Veeder-Root Company and Microwave Development Labs.
Mr. Burke was active in many community activities as a leader in the Local Boy Scouts Troop 70 and enjoyed bringing his Scouts on summer camping hiking and cycling trips. He was a member and Past President of the Natick Sons of Italy. An avid hunter he was a member and past President of the Southborough Rod and Gun Club where he taught Massachusetts sanctioned Hunter Safety Courses.
Mr Burke was a graduate of Boston College receiving his B.S. with the class of 1958. While there he played the violin in the BC Orchestra. He attended the Natick Schools and was a graduate of Natick High School class of 1945.
Mr Burke was veteran in the United States Army serving as a Drill Sergeant at Fort Belvoir Virginia.
In addition to his wife he is survived by four children Claudia Rose and her husband Ed of Ashland, Michael Burke and his wife Kes of Long Beach CA, Richard Burke and his wife Mary of Medway, Lorna Swanson and her husband Andy of Cranston RI, two brothers George Burke and his wife Maria of Natick, Firman Burke of Zurich, Switzerland.
Eight grandchildren Arianna, Bryany, Aidan, Bella, and Brycen Burke, Alison and Michelle Rose and Hayden Burke, and many nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral on Friday June 26 at 9:00 A.M. from the John Everett and Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street, at Natick Common, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Patrick’s Church at 10:00 A.M. visiting hours Thursday from 5:00 to 8:00 P.M.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in his memory to the Southborough Rod and Gun Club, PO Box 91, Southborough, MA 01772 to honor his dedication to conservancy through the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Hunter Education program and his love of all outdoor sports.