Thomas V. Burke III, Devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather, Passes Away Suddenly at 69 – Obituary and Death Notice, A Life Well Lived in Philadelphia
Thomas V. Burke III, a beloved member of the Philadelphia community, passed away suddenly on May 6 at the age of 69. He was a devoted husband to Nancy Burke (née O’Donnell) for 40 years and a loving father to five children: Joanna Slade (Randy), Kaileen Milligan (Jeff), Sean Burke, the late Thomas V. Burke IV, and Joseph Burke (Katie). He was also a proud grandfather to Vienna, Pierce, Finn, and Thomas V. Burke V, affectionately known as “Pop.”
Tom was born in Philadelphia to the late Thomas V. Burke Jr. and Margaret (née Haughey) and grew up in the Logan neighborhood. He attended Holy Child Elementary School and graduated from Cardinal Dougherty High School in 1972. For over 25 years, Tom served as a respected member of the Philadelphia Police Department, working in the 1st District in South Philadelphia and later in the Homicide and Gun Task Force. He developed a passion for food during his time in the 1st District and took great pleasure in helping his colleagues and the citizens of Philadelphia.
Tom met Nancy O’Donnell in Avalon in 1981, and they married in 1983. They raised their children in Huntingdon Valley and Philadelphia and cherished their time at Sea Isle, where Tom enjoyed fishing crabs in the back bay and conversing with anyone who would listen. He was a regular member of the Sea Isle VFW crew and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.
Tom is survived by his siblings James Burke (Kathy), Rose Casey (James), Gerry Harris (Eric), and Maureen Burke, as well as several in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. His family and friends will gather for a life celebration visitation on Sunday, May 12, from 6 to 8 PM at the John F. Givnish Life Celebration Home and on Monday, May 13, from 9 to 10 AM at St. Albert the Great. A Christian burial mass will be held at 10 AM, followed by private burial.
Tom’s passing is a tremendous loss to his family and the community, but his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched. His love for his family, food, and helping others will be remembered and cherished for years to come.
Tom’s family invites friends and family to share their memories and stories of his life, which will be cherished and remembered for years to come. His life was a testament to the power of love, family, and community, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his family, Tom is survived by his loyal dog, Max, who was by his side through thick and thin. Tom’s love for his family and his community was evident in everything he did, and he will be remembered as a kind, generous, and caring person who always put others before himself.
Tom’s life was a celebration of love, family, and community, and his passing is a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment with those we hold dear. His legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and his memory will be honored and remembered for years to come.
In conclusion, Thomas V. Burke III’s sudden passing has left a void in the lives of everyone who knew him. However, his legacy will live on through the countless lives he touched, and his memory will be honored and remembered for years to come. May he rest in peace.
