John G. Burke, 77, of Londonderry, NH, died Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at his home. Mr. Burke was born in Albany, NY on January 21, 1931, a son of the late John W. and Lois (Gardiner) Burke. He was a resident of Londonderry for 23 years, formerly living in Black River, NY for 27 years. John literally grew up in the dairy business. He started in a Borden’s receiving plant in VT and spent his entire career having a significant impact on the dairy foods Northeast consumers enjoy. His service in the U.S. Air Force was followed by a degree in Agricultural Economics and Manufacturing from the University of Vermont, where he drove milk routes during summers. After graduation he began a long career with Borden’s working in the Northeast, gaining experience in all areas of production, procurement, and operations management. John married Mary Lou Slavin on Feb. 11, 1956 in Oneonta, NY. In 1958 he became the Assistant Plant Manager of the Borden’s New Cultured Products Plant in Watertown, NY and was promoted to District Manager.
After a distinguished career with Borden’s, he retired and joined Agri-Mark in 1984 as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, retiring in 2006 after 22 years. John served on 12 boards and commissions as well as being an active member of several associations including the Dairy Business Association. He was active in local government for many years, was a member of the Black River, NY village board and was on their volunteer fire dept. He was a member of the Kiwanis Club and the American Legion Post #27 in Middlebury, VT. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, hunting, spending time at his hunting camp and was an avid Boston sports fan.
He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Lou Burke of Londonderry, a son, James J. Burke and his wife Cindy of Northfield, VT, two daughters, Holly Burke-Gordon and Jill Burke, both of Londonderry, four grandchildren, Danielle Gordon, Nathan, Timothy and Chelsea Burke, a brother, William Burke of Burlington, VT, a sister, Phyllis Cunningham of Middlebury, VT and also by many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a sister, Joyce Stout.
Visiting hours were held from 2-6pm on Sunday, April 13, 2008 in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A funeral service was held on Monday, April 14th at 11:00am in the funeral home. The burial will be held in Middlebury, VT. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Salvation Army, attn: Major Carl Carvill, 1 Montgomery Ave., Nashua, NH 03060.