Simsbury Obituary: Edward Bourke, 93

Edward Arthur Bourke, 93, passed away peacefully surround by family on April 3, 2016, at his home in Loudonville, New York.

Mr. Bourke was born on May 21, 1922 in Hartford to William and Ada Bourke, the oldest of six boys. He lived most of his life in East Windsor with his wife, who he met at a dance at the Polish Home in Hartford and married in 1951. He worked as a carpenter at C.H. Dexter in Windsor Locks until his retirement 1986. He and Rita then moved to McLean Home in Simsbury. Following her death in 2009 he moved to Loudonville, New York to live with his daughter's family; there he had a number of wonderful golden years.

Mr. Bourke was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a Eucharistic Minister at St. Philip’s Church in East Windsor. He played the accordion, enjoyed bowling, golf and his favorite hobby was woodworking. He hardly ever missed a UConn women’s basketball game, and he never minded that they won every time. In his final years he was especially close to his canine companions, April, May, and June, who spent many hours sitting on his lap and being hand fed popcorn. It was rumored that he converted from Boston Red Sox to Yankees fan in his later years in New York. Ed was a man of great faith and practiced daily gratitude for all his blessings.

He was predeceased by his his wife, Rita Pinard Bourke, daughter-in-law Sharon H. Bourke, and brothers Robert, Eugene, George and Danny Bourke. Mr. Bourke is survived by his brother Rene and sister-in-law Ruth of Windsor Locks, and his two children, son Donald E. Bourke of Windsor Locks, daughter Diane Bourke Benton and son- in-law Robert of Loudonville. He is further survived by six grandchildren, Logan Bourke and his wife Samantha, Torin Bourke of Boston and Helen, Nathan, Drew and Harry Benton. He also leaves many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Relatives and friends are welcome to join the family from 5-7 PM on Thursday, April 7th at the Bassinger & Dowd Funeral Home, 37 Gardner St, East Windsor. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, April 8th at St. Philip’s Church, 150 S Main St, East Windsor. Burial will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Broad Brook.

For online condolences please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com.

Loving Husband, Father and Grandfather, Rest in Peace Dad we Love you.