Albert E. Burke, Sr.
Born October 13, 1932
Albert E. Burke, Sr. known fondly by all as Burkie, age 83, of Clayton, DE, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2015.
Born in Ohio on October 13, 1932, Al was a son of the late Albert F. Burke and Ethel Kreklow Burke. He made his career as a master carpenter with Local No. 626 in Wilmington, where he served as past president and Local No. 845 in Philadelphia.
An avid outdoorsman, Al enjoyed both hunting and fishing. He adored spending time in his yard feeding the many birds that visited him and gardening. In his leisure time, Al liked working on crossword puzzles and tinkering with anything around the house that needed fixing. A kind and generous individual, he was the first to lend a hand to a friend in need and also gave of his time by assisting the Benedictine Sisters in Ridgley, MD with the monastery’s upkeep. Al was happiest in the company of his beloved family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Leroy Burke. Al is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia A. (Fagan) Burke; children, Albert E. Burke, Jr. (Marianne) of Smyrna, DE, Donna M. Wailes (Anthony) of Chincoteague, VA, Connie A. Bonsall (Dennis) of Bear, DE, Nora T. Burke of Bear, DE and Catherine L. Burke of Newark, DE; sister, Marlous Marie Wells of Smyrna, DE; 8 grandchildren; and 7 great grandchildren.
Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11 am on Tuesday morning, February 17, 2015, at the St. Paul’s R.C. Church, 209 Washington Street, Delaware City, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am. Interment will follow in St. Paul’s Cemetery, Delaware City, DE.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Al’s name may be made to the American Legion Ambulance Station No. 64, 900 Smyrna Clayton Boulevard,, Smyrna, DE 19977.
Penny Morris Czerwinski
Prayers to Pat and family. I remember Burkie “Mr. Burke” to me, fondly helping my father with additions and renovations to our home. He was a true friend to my father and will be greatly missed.
Doc stanaitis
My thoughts and prayers are with the Burke family. Burkie will live on in me and continue to inspire me to be a better person. I know of no greater man. His love of his wife and family was evident every time we spoke. You will be missed my dear friend.
Doc
Patty Morris Chase
My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Burke (Pat) and the family. Burkie was a fixture in my life growing up – he and my dad worked together, helped each other with projects on the weekends, etc. He was a great friend to the family.