WILLIAM JOSEPH "BILL" BURKE, JR. ~ Class of 1955
April 19, 1936 - September 20, 2008







Our father, grandparent, brother, husband and friend, Bill Burke, went to Heaven on September 20, 2008. He was 72 years old when he unexpectedly passed away. He was born April 19, 1936 in Chicago, IL, to Caroline and William Burke, Sr. Bill was raised in Richland, WA after moving from Chicago at the age of 7. He was the oldest of five children, four boys and one girl. Bill came from an ambitious and hard-working family. His father was the first male nurse at Hanford and his mother was the first dietician at Kadlec Hospital.

Bill was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a parishioner at Christ the King Church. He very much enjoyed his time with family, attended Mass on a regular basis with his wife, and was active in his children's lives as soccer and baseball coach. Bill was a dedicated employee of 30 plus years at Hanford. He was given the nickname "Stony" because he could tell funny stories to his coworkers without cracking a smile. Dad was also a sports enthusiast, with a special affinity for Notre Dame Football and the St. Louis Cardinals.

For the past 36 years, he was married to Patricia who was his beloved wife. They shared many memories raising two children, attended many baseball games in St. Louis and Seattle, and traveled to Cooperstown, NY to visit the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bill and Pat took care of Bill's great aunt, Francis Denlinger for 20 years before she passed away at age 97 in 2001. Bill and Pat's children both graduated from college in St. Louis, MO after attending Christ the King and Richland High School. His daughter, Jennifer ('91), married, Joseph Indelicato, and works for the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services as a Long Term Care Specialist. His son, Will Burke, married Shawnna Burke, returned to the Tri-Cities, and works at St. Patrick School as a middle school teacher.

After Bill's retirement, he and Pat could be spotted on a daily basis walking around Chief Joe's track with their dog, Gibby. Bill was known to lift the spirits of those he came into contact with. Bill drove his wife to work at Quail Hallow Retirement Center, where he loved to visit with residents and staff. Patricia continues to serve others with her gift as a part time hair stylist and will miss having her beloved husband drive her to and from work. Together they enjoyed retirement, which included visiting with friends and watching over their grand-daughter, Sophia Burke (age 4), who was the light of Bill's life. Sophia and "Bapa" often thought of one another and when apart they could usually be heard talking about the other. They truly had a special relationship and Sophia was blessed to have such a loving, patient, and selfless grandfather. We will always remember Bill for the way he lived his life, building relationships through respect and love.

He will forever be known as "Bill, Dad, Herbie, Stony and Bapa." His legacy was his family, and he always made us proud!

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Burke; his daughter, Jennifer Indelicato and husband Joe; son, Will Burke and wife, Shawnna; grand-daughter; Sophia Burke; sister, Carolyn ('61) and her husband, Jerry Rhoads; brother, Charles ('66) and his wife, Suzie Burke; brother-in-law, John and Claire Majewski; sister-in-law, Barbara and David Mills; Brother-in-law, Jim Majewski and his Fiance Debbie Holzer. Bill had many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is also survived by his beloved dog, Gibby.

Bill was preceded in death by his father, William J. Burke, SR.; his mother, Caroline; and brothers, James ('57) and Kevin ('55).

Praying of the rosary will be held at 10a.m. Thursday, September 25, 2008, at Christ the King Church, Richland. The funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m. A reception, at Christ the King, will follow the graveside services.

Special thanks to those good Samaritans who tried to save our Dad, the St. Patrick School, Kadlec Hospital, and those who have been so compassionate and caring towards our family.

You did a good job Dad, with everything. We miss and love you always.