Friday, November 20th, 2015
Robert Burke
Robert J. Burke, 95, St. Marys, OH died at 4:25 a.m. Thursday November 19, 2015 at JTDM Hospital in St. Marys.
He was born October 18, 1920 in Glynnwood, OH to David and Julia (Cogan) Burke. On September 3, 1956 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys, he married Joan M. Pfenning, who died May 23, 2006.
Survivors include: son Joe (Amy) Burke of St. Marys, OH; son Dan (Lori) Burke of St. Marys, OH; daughter Robbie Burke of St. Marys, OH; 6 grandchildren: Tom Burke, Doug (Olivia) Burke, Katie Burke, Megan Burke, Ryan Burke, Colin Burke; sister-in-law Lavera Burke of Glynnwood, OH; numerous nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by: parents David and Julia Burke; wife Joan Burke; brother David (Isabella) Burke; brother John Burke; brothers-in-law Paul (Dorothy) Pfenning and Phil (Mary Jo) Pfenning.
He was a 1938 graduate of St. Marys Memorial High School.
He entered the insurance profession in 1946, eventually establishing the R.J. Burke Insurance Agency in 1953. The agency continues its operation to this day, with all three of his children having entered the insurance agency, eventually becoming the owners.
He was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church in St. Marys, where he served in numerous capacities, including: Eucharistic minister, parish council, parish festival committee, school board member and CCD teacher for many years.
He was also a member and past Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus (Rev. James O. Byrne Council # 1492) and 4th degree knight (St. Gaspar del Buffalo Assembly). He was also a member of the St. Marys Rotary Club, served on numerous advisory committees for several insurance companies and was an integral member of the debt reduction committee for the Maria Stein Retreat House.
He was a recipient of the St. Marys Builder of Bridges Award and was a board member of the St. Marys Area Chamber of Commerce.
His favorite pastimes included golfing, bowling and listening to music. He was also very proud of his Irish heritage.
Faith, hard work and family were the cornerstones of Robert's life. He attended Mass daily his entire life, and held a particular devotion for the Blessed Mother. "Eternal rest, grant unto him, O, Lord…"
Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled to begin 11:00 a.m. Tuesday November 24, 2015 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church 511 E. Spring Street in St. Marys, with the Rev. Barry Stechschulte, celebrant and Deacon Martin Brown, assisting.
Burial will follow at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery in St. Marys.
Visitation 2 – 4 and 6 – 8 p.m. Monday and 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Miller – Long & Folk Funeral Home (314 W. High Street Chapel) in St. Marys.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Rev. James O Byrne Scholarship Fund for Seminarians.
Condolences may be expressed via: www.millerfuneralhomes.net.
