BRIDGEWATER - William T. Burke, 71, of Winston-Salem, N.C., formerly of Bridgewater, died Friday at Select Specialty Care Hospital Forsith Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C., after a brief illness.
Born Dec. 25, 1933, in Worcester, he was the son of the late William E. and Dorothy A. (Doon) Burke.
Raised and educated in Bridgewater, Mr. Burke was a graduate of Bridgewater Academy High School, Class of 1957, and received his bachelor’s degree from Boston University.
He also received a master’s degree and pursued further graduate studies at the University of Texas.
Mr. Burke was a professor of English at Winston-Salem State University for 35 years, retiring five years ago.
Previously, he had taught at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Mr. Burke was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church and of Mercy Parish in Winston-Salem, N.C., and was an avid book collector.
He is survived by his sister, Christine Cabral of Bridgewater; his former wife, Gwendolyn (Harris) Burke; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He was also brother to the late Edmund, Raymond and David Burke.
His funeral will be held from the Prophett Funeral Home, 98 Bedford St. (Rte. 18), Bridgewater, Friday at 8:15 am., followed by a funeral Mass in St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Bridgewater, Friday at 9 am. Visiting hours are Thursday 4-8 pm. Burial will be in St. Thomas Aquinas Cemetery.