Obituary

John Burke, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle to more than 40 nieces and nephews, passed away September 19, 2024 in his 87th year.

He is survived by Carol (Kirby), his wife of 61 years, daughters Jill-Marie and Colleen (Dave), granddaughters Rosa and Amelia, and sisters Joan and Kathleen. He was predeceased by eight of his siblings.

John was the tenth of eleven children born to Tony and Rita Burke (Hartigan). His happy childhood in St. Jacques and St. John’s, NL was filled with caring community members and adventures with his siblings. His St. Jacques’ memories were the foundation of a lifelong talent for storytelling.

After initially studying to be a Redemptorist priest, John found his true calling when he became a high school English teacher. He inspired thousands of students in Smiths Falls, Petrolia, Forest and London and enjoyed mentoring younger teachers.

He loved spending time with family and friends, reading and discussing novels, listening to CBC Radio, taking photos and staying in touch with his numerous Facebook friends.

Thank you to the wonderful, caring staff at Christie Gardens and University Health Network and all the helpful taxi drivers who have taken us to countless appointments. The family will receive visitors at Cardinal Funeral Home, 366 Bathurst St, Toronto on September 23, 5:00 - 8:00 pm and September 24, 2:00 - 4:00 and 6:00 - 8:00 pm.

(Limited parking is available on site, parking lots that offer paid parking are available in the vicinity of the funeral home: paid lot immediately beside South wall of the Cardinal Funeral Home lot, paid lot affiliated with St. Volodymyr Cathedral one block North of Cardinal Funeral Home on West side of Bathurst Street.)

A funeral Mass will be held at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 840 Bathurst St, Toronto, on September 25 at 10 am and will be live-streamed.  Interment at a later date.

The live-stream of the funeral Mass can be viewed at St. Peter's Church Live Stream

A memorial donation in John's honour can be made to United for Literacy

Visitation

Date
September 23, 2024
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home Bathurst Chapel
Time
05:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Date
September 24, 2024
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home Bathurst Chapel
Time
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Date
September 24, 2024
Location
Cardinal Funeral Home Bathurst Chapel
Time
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

Service

Date
September 25, 2024
Location
St. Peter's Catholic Church
Time
10:00 AM

Cremation

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September 25, 2024
Irene Richards
I can see other students from Petrolia had the same sentiment as myself. He was one of the great teachers at LCCVI, held in high regard by his students. Heartfelt condolences to his family.
September 24, 2024
Linda Smith
Carol, Jill Marie, and Colleen, I was one of the lucky students who had Mr. Burke for grade 13 English at LCCVI in 1969-70. He supported, cared and challenged his students. His humour and wit made class more interesting always. But most importantly he allowed myself and my boyfriend to visit on Saturday nights and have discussions with him while Carol looked after the girls elsewhere. I well remember sitting in the living room in the house in Sarnia, music playing while we talked about the issues of the world that seemed so urgent to us then. Incredible to think of him giving up his personal time like that. Over the years after becoming a teacher myself I wrote him a letter to thank him for all the inspiration and motivation he gave to me. I am glad to have told him that then and now I wanted to share it with you. How fortunate we all were to have had him in our lives ....many wonderful lasting memories. The best teacher/ friend I ever had. Thank you for sharing him.
September 24, 2024
Warren Mahony
Condolences to Carol and the family on the loss of John. He was always a son of 'The Rock' with genuine friendship & humour. Our contact is from Smiths Falls, many years back for a limited time and through mutual friends but the impression stayed with us. We can't join you but our thoughts are with you. Betty & Warren Mahony
September 23, 2024
Cory Skinner
I was so sorry to learn of your loss. I have such fond memories of Mr. Burke from my student days at LCCVI. He was a enthusiastic and insightful teacher, and a kind and generous man, and when I hear of someone having a twinkle in their eye, it's always Mr. Burke I think of. My deepest condolences.
September 23, 2024
Richard H Marshall
Dear Carol, We were so sorry to hear of John's death last week. I was not aware that he was failing. I have enjoyed knowing him; he was so positive about life. I know it will be hard to get along without him. I, too, lost my Ann just two years ago this month so I am very sympathetic. I hope to see you at the Funera; Parlor this week. I send warm best wishes and prayers, as I am sure all the rest of our little group at Christie Gaedens does. Richard Marshall
September 23, 2024
Rev. RL Stephenson-Read
Dear Carol, Jill Marie and Colleen; My heart 💙 to all of your family in your time of deep sorrow and grief. Mr. B. was truly a magnificent character. He embodied all that stuff of a GREAT teacher/coach/mentor and all-round human being. And what a sense of humour! A great smile, titter, and a quick wit coupled with a strong desire to poke fun and tease! We will all miss him a great deal...as he was a constant. Even in his twilight years, we enjoyed his support and friendship on FB. Loved how he chimed in with his inspiration and guidance ...assuring and reassuring us all as we made our way on our individual paths. God rest you in the palm of His hand Mr .B. Until we meet again... Your student-fan-friend-mentee; Rhonda Lee Read (nee Stephenson) aka Rock'n Rev. Rhonda xoxo
September 23, 2024
Melanie
My deepest condolences for your loss. Wishing you peace during this difficult time.
September 22, 2024
Cathy Victor
Dear Carol, Jill-Marie and Colleen, My heart is so deeply saddened for your loss. John was such a dear man, and a great friend. My late husband Ian, who served as the Presbyterian minister in Petrolia for a number of years became great friends with John. The two of them would tell the funniest stories back and forth every time they were together. What a gift that was. For a number of years we had a New Year’s party on August 31st, usually with a ridiculous theme. I have some very funny pictures of John from that time. Recently it’s been a gift to follow him a little on Facebook, always reminding me of his kind and loving nature. My prayers are raised for you all. May God’s deep love embrace each one of you. Cathy
September 22, 2024
Cindy McCormick Kemp
I was a student in the 1970's at LCCVI. What a wonderful teacher Mr. Burke was, always interesting and always fun. It was just a couple of years ago when a friend told me about a novel that Mr. Burke had recently recommended and it did not disappoint. Still making us think after all that time. My sincere condolences to Mrs. Burke and their family.
September 22, 2024
Janice White
Mr. Burke was my favourite high school teacher at LCCVI in Petrolia. He always encouraged my creativity and I credit him for leading me to my career in radio as a copywriter. I LOVED that job! I was delighted to connect with him again thru Facebook several years ago and always read his posts with great interest. He will be missed. May God comfort his family as they grieve their loss. Rest in peace Mr. Burke.
September 22, 2024
Lisa Jenniskens
So sorry for your loss Carol, Colleen and Jill Marie.
September 21, 2024
USMC USW
Condolances from the St. Mikes community and in particular the members of the USMC USW, Sending Prayers, Strength and Solace to the family and loved ones of Mr John Burke.
September 21, 2024
Bishop Michael Brehl, C. Ss. R.
Carol, John is certainly in my prayers. And so are you and the family. Sorry I can’t be with you. God bless you all. And may God welcome John with peace and joy!
September 21, 2024
David Nichols
Dear Carol, Jill-Marie and Colleen, I was so sad to hear of John's passing. He was a wonderful colleague and a tremendous supporter of Canadian literature. I will never forget his wonderful greetings over the public address system at LCCVI on St. Patrick's Day each year, and his fabulous Newfoundland fishing coat!! I know you will all be comforted by your many wonderful memories of John. I have many wonderful memories of my own from my teaching days at LCCVI and especially of two of my favourite music students. Take care. Best wishes always. David
September 21, 2024
Christina Kucharski
I was recently thinking of Mr. Burke and remembering what an amazing teacher he was of all the teachers that I had at RMC. I am so very sad to hear of his passing. He was by far my favourite and one of the best English teachers ever! Who could forget that first day of class when he played Pink Floyd “another brick in the wall” video I think every single one of us, thought he was just the absolute best, and he was. I also remember how fondly he spoke of his wife and his daughters. Mr. Burke is a man who made an incredible impression and all of his life lessons will forever remain in my heart. His deep faith and belief that there is good in all of us is something that I always marvel at and appreciate, he was such an incredible man. He was truly one of those Once In A Lifetime teachers, who actually cared about his students and cared very deeply. I also remember how much of a pleasure he was with the parents and my mom insisted on doing parent-teacher interviews going and sitting with him even though he wasn’t my teacher that year that’s how much of a wonderful impression he made. He will be dearly missed. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
September 21, 2024
Beverley metcalfe
My deepest condolences to you and your families! Was truly wonderful to have know him even for a short time
September 21, 2024
Luanne Rousseau
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Burke's passing. He was one of the few high school teachers who pushed me to be me and not what I was "supposed" to be in everyone else's eyes. We didn't always agree on subjects but if I showed my proof, he accepted it. I hated high school but knowing I was going to see Mr. Burke made it easier to take. Thank you.
September 20, 2024
Abdul Samad
My condolences to Colleen and family, stay strong sister.