John F. Burke 75, died Wednesday January 14th after a period of failing health. He was the beloved husband of Estelle M. (Teachman) (Whitney) Burke.
Born in Cambridge he was the son of the late John and Helen (McGrail) Burke. He spent most of his life in South Boston and attended South Boston Schools, where he played football, and has remained in close touch with his Southie childhood friends.
He attended Boston University before going into the service, and was a veteran of the US Army having served active duty from 1953-1958 and transferring to the Army Reserves until his discharge in 1961.
After the service he worked in car sales. He then worked as a currier for more than twenty-two years for Purolator before his retirement. He also worked part time for Deerfield Assisted Living and Daycare of Hingham as a driver.
He had been a resident of Brockton for thirty-two years, and enjoyed sports of any kind.
John dearly loved all his family, and was a good friend of Bill W. for thirty five years.
In addition to his wife he is survived by his step children David Whitney of Maine, and Doris Pestilli and her husband Rev. Anthony Pestilli of VA, his sister Sister Maureen E. Burke of Sisters of Charity of Halifax, Nova Scotia, his brothers Richard Burke and his wife Claire, Robert Burke and his wife Liz all of Abington, Michael Burke and his wife Denise of Rockland. He is also survived by many loving grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, with whom he loved them all. He was the step father of the late Gary Whitney and brother of the late Mo Flynn.
His funeral service will be held Tuesday January 20th at 10 AM in the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the rotary) Whitman. Burial will follow at 12:30 PM in the Massachusetts National VA Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held Monday January 19th form 4-8 PM. Donations in his name may be made to the New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans 17 Court Street Boston, MA 02108.