William H. Burke, 95, of Vero Beach, passed away peacefully at Palm Garden Nursing Home with Hospice care on Nov. 6, 2014.
He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Ann Burke and Kathleen Jacobs; and son, William H. Burke, Jr.
He was preceded in by his sister, Eileen Cox, his brother, Fr. James Burke, OMI, and his wife, Eileen Carroll Burke.
Burke was born in Lowell, Mass., on March 9, 1919 to the late William and Lena (O’Hare) Burke.
He was a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church attending daily Mass. He felt very fortunate to have had the support and care from his dear daily Mass friends.
Burke joined the Army/Air Corps Yankee Division on March 7, 1941 and served as a top turret gunner on a B-25 having flown 60 missions out of Italy. He served in WWII for five years. He was a union pipefitter for 50 years. He was very instrumental as a shop steward by bringing Health and Welfare benefits to union members in the 40s.
Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m., Tuesday, Nov. 18, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Burial services will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA Hospice, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960 in Bill’s name.