Thomas F. Burke, Sr., 91, of Yatesville passed away Monday, January 22, 2018 in Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. Born in Port Griffith on December 8, 1926, he was the son of the late Michael and Margaret King Burke.
He was a graduate of St. John’s High School, Pittston and served in the US Navy during World War II. Thomas had worked for the federal government in Washington, D.C. He then joined the Pennsylvania State Police, retiring after 34 years of service.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Zarra Burke in 2015, brother Joseph Burke, and sister Mary Burke.
Surviving are daughters Margaret Dix and her husband Don, Coconut Creek, Florida and Patti Burke, Yatesville; son Thomas Jr. and his wife Frann, West Pittston; sister Ann Anthony and her husband George, Port Griffith; brother-in-law Armando Zarra and his wife Claudette, Tamaqua; nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.
Special thank you to Dr. Michaeline Torbik and her staff as well as to the staff at Celtic Hospice for the compassionate care they provided to Thomas.
Funeral services will be Saturday, January 27, 2018 at 9am from Adonizio Funeral Home, LLC, 251 William Street, Pittston with a Mass of Christian Burial at 9:30am in St. Joseph Marello Parish. Interment will follow in Denison Cemetery, Swoyersville. Friends may call Friday, January 26, 2018 from 5pm-8pm at the funeral home.
Memorial donations may be made to Celtic Hospice, 601 Wyoming Avenue, Kingston.