Thomas Burke Obituary, Philadelphia PA, A Life Well Lived: On May 6, Thomas V. Burke III, 69, of Philadelphia, passed away suddenly. For forty years, he was the devoted spouse of Nancy Burke (née O’Donnell), and the father of Joanna Slade (Randy), Kaileen Milligan (Jeff), Sean Burke, the late Thomas V. Burke IV, and Joseph Burke (Katie). He was Vienna, Pierce, Finn, and Thomas V. Burke V.’s proud grandfather, also known as “Pop.” Together with several in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, Tom is also survived by his siblings James Burke (Kathy), Rose Casey (James), Gerry Harris (Eric), and Maureen Burke.
The late Thomas V. Burke Jr. and Margaret (née Haughey) welcomed Tom into the world in Philadelphia. Growing up in the Logan neighborhood of the city, he attended Holy Child Elementary School and the 1972 graduating class of Cardinal Dougherty High School. For more than 25 years, Tom was an honored member of the Philadelphia Police. In addition to spending many years with the Homicide and Gun Task Force, he initially worked in the 1st District in South Philadelphia, where he first developed his affinity for food. He took great pleasure in helping the people he worked with and the citizens of Philadelphia.
In Avalon in 1981, Tom first met Nancy O’Donnell. After getting married in 1983, they reared their kids in Huntingdon Valley and Philadelphia. With his family, Tom cherished his time at Sea Isle. He would frequently spend his afternoons either fishing crabs in the back bay or lounging in his chair and conversing with anyone who would listen. He was a regular member of the Sea Isle VFW crew as well.
Tom’s life celebration visitation is open to family and friends on Sunday, May 12, from 6 to 8 PM at the John F. Givnish Life Celebration house, and on Monday, May 13, from 9 to 10 AM at St. Albert the Great. A Christian burial mass will be said at 10 AM, and burial will take place privately.