David Burke Passes Away

David W. Burke, 76, of Reading and formerly of North Reading, lost his courageous battle with a lengthy illness, Wednesday, June 14, 2017, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

Born in Fairhaven, MA on November 29, 1940, he was the son of the late George and Helen (Tucker) Burke. He was a graduate of Beverly High School and he later attended the University of Massachusetts.

David worked for Verizon for 39 years, he was a Marketing Manager. He was known for his kindness, sense of humor and his deep devotion and love of his family. He was always lending a helping hand, always a gentleman and was married for 53 years on Valentine’s Day. He had an infectious laughter, especially at his own jokes and had a deep dedication to his daughter Lisa.

David was an avid reader, he loved history, with a passion for the Civil War. He loved his family deeply, he enjoyed family gatherings, spending time with his grandchildren attending hockey games and tennis matches.

David was a resident of North Reading for over 50 years, he was an active member of the Union Congregational Church and a member of the Finance Committee and Church Council.

Family members include his loving wife of 53 years, Linda (Ramsay) Burke; daughters, Lisa Burke, Kristin Leonard and her husband Tim and Dina Magner and her husband Luke; grandchildren, Brittany, Briana and Brooke Leonard, Aidan, Ryan and Liam Magner; brothers, John Burke and his wife Marie, Fred Burke and this late wife Margaret, Donald Burke and his wife Nancy and Phillip Burke and his wife Patty and late brother, Richard Burke; sisters, Jean Arnold, Jackie Caulfield and her late husband Richard; sister- in- law, Janis Brackett and brother- in- law, Edwin Brackett; also survived by many nieces and nephews.

His Funeral will be held at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading on Thursday, June 22 at 11 a.m. Calling hours will be held prior to the funeral service on Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m., at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Union Congregational Church or the charity of one’s choice.