Obituary: Charles Allen Burke Jr., 77, Of Cheshire

CHESHIRE, CT — (From Wallingford Funeral Home): Charles Allen Burke Jr., 77, of Cheshire, husband of the late Carol Ann (Polnar) Burke, passed away September 28, 2022, at the Summit at Plantsville.

Charles was born in San Diego, CA on January 31, 1945, son of the late Charles Sr. and Marjorie (Moore) Burke. Charles grew up in Newport Rhode Island before living in Wallingford with his wife Carol of 47 years.

Charles served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He was a valued employee of Cytec Industries in Wallingford for 32 years. He was an active and proud member of the American Legion where he served as Commander of Post 76, North Haven and Commander of State of Connecticut, District 2.

Charles worked diligently to promote the work of the American Legion and received many awards and recognitions for his efforts supporting legion events and recruiting new members. He was an avid UCONN Women’s Basketball fan and enjoyed riding his electric trike on the Farmington canal trail.

One of Charles’s greatest joys was hitting the road, whether by car, RV, tractor trailer, or train, traveling the country visiting his large family (with a stop or two at a casino along the way)

Charles is survived by his sister, Hazel Lynn of Eagan, MN; his brothers, Robert Watkins and his wife Deborah, of Newport, RI, Joseph Woehrle of Providence Village, TX, and Edward Woehrle and his wife, Camille of Orlando, FL; his brother-in-law, Douglas Polnar and his wife, Laura, of Cheshire; his sisters-in-law, Nancy Calkins and her husband, Dale, of Meriden and Thelma Watkins of Nicholasville, KY. He was known as “Al” by his family, “Charlie” by his friends and co-workers, and “Uncle YA” and “Uncle Cubby” by his many nieces and nephews with whom he had a very special relationship.

In addition to his parents and wife, Charles was predeceased by his brothers Donald Watkins, Stephen Watkins and David Watkins.

Charles’ family will receive relatives and friends at The Wallingford Funeral Home, 809 North Main Street Ext. on Monday, Oct. 3, 2022, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. with a funeral service to be held at 5:30 p.m. during calling hours. A military service at the Veterans cemetery in Middletown will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory can be made to The American Legion, Post 76, 20 Church Street, North Haven, CT 06473.

For more information and to leave online condolences, visit Wallingford Funeral Home here.