Obituary of Michael Burke

Michael Burke, 92, Farmingdale, peacefully passed away in the early morning on Saturday, October 28, 2023.  Mike was born at home in the kitchen around dinner time in the family home in the small coal region town of Mahanoy Plane ("The Foot"), PA.  He was the last survivor of 12 siblings.  What a heavenly reunion!  He joined the Air Force at 19, during the Korean Conflict,  and was stationed in England, Germany and Morocco.  In his short 3-year hitch he rose quickly to the rank of Staff Sergeant and acting Tech Sergeant.  Returning to Pennsylvania he met and married the love of his life Jean Anne Burke.  They remained inseparable for 62 years until Jean's passing in 2018.  After residing in Warehouse Point, CT and Newark, NJ, he moved from the city to Farmingdale, NJ to give his wife and son a small town life with green grass and nearby beaches.  Mike worked hard in several different fields, as the economy and opportunities allowed, from airplane propeller assembler to photo engraver.  His longest career was at the  Marlboro Post Office as a window clerk where he enjoyed interaction with the customers and quickly became their favorite go to mailman!

Mike is predeceased by his parents Paul and Anna, three brothers and eight sisters.  Mike is survived by his only child, Michael John Burke and his wife Mary of Farmingdale; three grandchildren, of which he was their proud Poppy; Katie, Mike and Alex.  Mike leaves behind many nieces and nephews and their children and families of which he made it his mission to document them and our ancestors in his extensive family tree compilation.

Mike's legacy is in his abounding love, support and endless generosity to his family and his memory lives on in everyone that has been lucky enough to have known him.  We all appreciate the sacrifices he made, as he always worked hard with our best interests in mind.  His sharp mind, and never give up approach, meant that he could fix anything.  And the lessons he taught and examples he gave have been passed down in the traits his son and grandchildren show in their lives.

In respect to Mike's wishes, there will be no viewing or cemetery funeral ceremony.  There will be a funeral Mass this Friday, November 3, 2023, at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 31 Asbury Road, Farmingdale, NJ at 11:00 am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Mike's name may be made to St. Catherine of Siena Church. All arrangements are under the direction of the Clayton & McGirr Funeral Home, Freehold Township. For information or to leave condolence messages to the family, please visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com