Obituary of Charles C. Burke, Jr.
Charles C. Burke, Jr., 83, of Howell Township passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on September 14, 2025. Charlie was born and raised in Newark, NJ. He attended South Side High School and after graduation opted to work in industry for three years before attending Kean University (Newark State). While there he met and married Mary (Winnie) Dolinich, and they recently celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. Charlie and Winnie were blessed with a daughter, Lori, who brought endless joy to his life along with his son-in-law, Greg, and two grandchildren, Adrienne and Nick.
In addition to his BA from Newark State, he obtained a Master's degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University and did additional graduate work at the School for the American Craftsmen at Rochester Institute of Technology. After obtaining his BA he began a thirty-two-year career in teaching design and technical courses at Matawan Regional High School. After retiring, he continued his love of teaching by working with senior citizens for another 19 years at the Senior Citizens Activities Network (SCAN) in Eatontown.
Charlie was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Dorothy; uncle and aunt, Charles and Jo Seigle. He is survived by his wife, Mary ‘Winnie’ Burke, his daughter, Lori Billows and her husband Greg of Oakhurst, New Jersey; grandchildren Adrienne and Nick; a brother, John Burke and his wife, Eadie; sister-in-law, Christine; nephews Rob and John, nieces Meredith and Kristin; and numerous grand-nieces, grand-nephews, and dear friends.
The consummate teacher, he embraced every moment as a teaching moment – whether you wanted to be taught or not! As passionate as he was about teaching, he was also just as dedicated to his own learning and never stopped expanding his world of knowledge. He spent his life chasing passions into wildly diverse areas. Charlie designed and built custom furniture, exposing the hidden beauty and grace within each piece of wood. One of his pieces, a library ladder, was acquired by the Smithsonian Institute. He held an Extra Class Amateur Radio License and was an avid "ham," call sign WA2SLK, connecting with people from all over the world. In his 50s he decided to train in martial arts and earned a Second Degree Black Belt from the Art Beins Karate School under the direct guidance of Grand Master Beins. At the age of 70, he pursued and obtained a Private Pilot's license and became very active with the Monmouth Area Flying Club (MAFC) serving several years on the Board of Trustees.
Charlie included this signature on each email he sent in hopes that everyone will truly embrace the opportunity they have in this amazing world as he did: "Live like you may die tomorrow, learn like you will live forever." -Mahatma Gandhi
Nothing touched Charlie more than knowing the incredible impact he had on the lives of his students, friends, family, and loved ones, and that gift will be his legacy treasured and appreciated by us all.
A private service will be held for family and friends. If you would like to honor Charlie's life and legacy, you can plant a tree, HERE, or make a memorial contribution to Grounds for Sculpture, HERE. For information or condolence messages to the family, visit www.claytonfuneralhome.com.