NORWICH – Howard A. Burke, 81, of Norwich passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 14, 2014 at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown. Howard was born on June 13, 1933, son of the late John A. and Eva (Eddy) Burke in Preston. Howard grew up in Norwich and attended Norwich High School.
Howard served in the United States Army from 1951 to 1954, in Korea. After serving in the military, he spent 2 years working at Crane Silo and then as a foreman, for Corrastone Silo Company in Weedsport for six years. He worked for 10 years at GLA and spent 12 years working for Victory Markets. Howard retired from Amphenol, after working for 19 years in the plating room. Howard was always a hard worker, even after he retired he continued to work at Parts Plus as a driver for another 11 years. Many remember Howard announcing the scores of the ball game before the movie started, when he ran the projector, at the Norwich Drive Inn and Colonial Theater. Howard will be remembered as a loving man who enjoyed playing pool and drinking beer. He enjoyed caring for his special dog, Paisley and being a member of the VFW. Howard served as commander of the VFW for many hears. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him.
Howard is survived by his fiancé, Doris Ashcraft of Norwich and her extended family, who loved Howard very much, his son, Leslie A. Burke of Norwich, his daughter, Julie and husband Jim Genter of Norwich, a step-daughter, Carol Gager of Norwich, a sister, Betty Shepard of Norwich, his grandchildren, Mandy Burlison, Patrick Burlison, Shaune Burlison, Sunshine Wales-Dain, Jillian Angle, Nicole Burke and Joshua Burke, 13 great-grandchildren and special friends, Tom and Fran Wayman.
Howard was predeceased by his step=son Michael Weyher, his brother, Francis Burke and a grandson, David Burlison.
Friends may call on Wednesday, September 17, 2014 from 4 to 6 pm at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home. A funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
Please consider memorial contributions to VFW Post 2782, 61 E. Main St., Norwich, NY 13815.
Arrangements are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.