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William Burke Obituary
Apr 13, 1934 - Jun 16, 2023
Venice, FL
William James "Bill" Burke, 89, passed away Friday, June 16, 2023, at his home in Venice, Florida.
Bill was born April 13, 1934, to John and Violet (Carmody) Burke. Bill was in the last class to graduate from Wakeman High School in 1952. He attended Kent State University on a basketball scholarship. He joined U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany during his enlistment. After proudly serving his country, he finished his bachelor's degree in education at Ohio University and began teaching social studies in Wellington, where he met his wife.
He earned his master's degree from Kent State University. He retired from teaching after 26 years. Bill was a gifted athlete, excelling in many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track in high school, followed by basketball and baseball at Kent State. Beyond college, he played softball, golf, and volleyball. In his later years, he played tennis well into his 80s. Bill loved to travel with his family and visit historical landmarks. He was an avid reader, enjoying biographies and reading at least two newspapers every day. He was a member of St Mary Catholic Church in Wakeman, Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, Florida, American Legion, VFW, Eagles, and Moose.
Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeanette; sons, Kean (Heidi), Brennan (Cathy), and Dane; sister, Marie Rodgers (John, deceased); brothers, Jack (Dee, deceased) and Bob (Julie); four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Burke; sister, Patricia Hipp; and grandson, Ryan Burke.
Funeral Mass will be 10:45 a.m. Monday, July 17, 2023, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, Florida. An interment ceremony will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery in Wakeman.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for donations to Wakeman Library or TideWell Hospice in Venice, Florida.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Burke
Bill Schramm
May 7, 2025
I loved Mr. Burke as a teacher. What a kind man. Never knew about his accomplishments as an athlete. Like I said, what a kind man he was.
Jeanene Collins
May 7, 2025
Had both had teachers at WHS.
Amy (Chester) Jarrell
July 2, 2023
So very sorry for your loss, Brennan and Dane.
Jeanene Horvath Collins
June 28, 2023
Prayers to the family. Mr Burke was my 7th grade teacher and I remember him well. Also his wife was my gym teacher. Jeanene Horvath Collins
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Beverly Wilson Wacker
June 28, 2023
My sympathies to the family.
Marty Drennan
June 28, 2023
Glad to see Mike´s comment. Mr. Burke had a difficult task teaching us mischievous Jr. High kids; I wish that I would´ve thanked him before now.
Mike Brubaker
June 27, 2023
I was just thinking of Mr Burke.
I was a student of his in Wellington. Absolutely loved him and his teaching style. He inspired a life long love of social studies and history which lasts to this day.
No idea he had a first name outside of Mr!
RIP sir.
Steve Weber
June 23, 2023
Jeanette
I will always remember Bill as a best friend We just clicked together The friendship will last forever
May he rest in peace
Steve Weber
Paul and Shirley Maguire
June 23, 2023
Jeanette and Family...
There will be a big hole every morning at the patio without Bill.
Great conversations and a lot of laughs.
Bill, rest in peace you did your best. Always hard to say goodbye.....
Paul and Shirley
Marie Rodgers, sister of Bill
June 22, 2023
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
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