Obituary of John W. Burke

Lowman. Age 77, passed away at home on Friday, August 9, 2013. Jack was born in Elmira on Oct. 21, 1935, son of John W. and Mildred (Bradley) Burke. He is survived by his wife of 56 years Mary Frances (Lawes) Burke; children with their families Colleen and John Rich of Horseheads with children Mallory (Travis) Redner, Kristin and J.T. Rich; John W. Burke Jr. of Elmira with children Rachael and Ryan; Ellen C. Burke of Elmira; great grandchildren Chance and Lyla Redner; brother and sister-in-law, William J. and Anne Burke, Tyler TX; cousin Marsha McCarthy, Orchard Park NY; sister-in-law Joan Rommelt, Elmira; brothers-in-law, Theodore Rundall, New Jersey, Dr. Sydney Brown, Elmira, Jerome Lawes, Horseheads; several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents Jack was predeceased by daughter Deborah J. and son Thomas J. Burke. Jack was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He served with the New York State Department of Corrections and retired as a Superintendent. While with the Department of Corrections he served as President of the Elmira Correctional Officers Union Local 1240 and then served as the State President for the New York State Corrections Officers Union Council 82 and served as Executive Director for Council 82 in Albany. After retiring he served as Baldwin Town Justice. Jack also served as President of the local magistrates association. He was an avid sportsman and rodeo enthusiast. He also enjoyed refinishing antiques. His greatest joy was time spent with his family. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday, August 12, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Ss. Peter & Paul Church. Military honors will be accorded outside of church after the funeral mass. In lieu of flowers donations in Jack's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice.