Burke, Thomas Joseph, Sr.
Birth: in Bronx, New York
Residence: Hollywood, Maryland
Death: Monday, November 10, 2014
Thomas J. Burke, Sr., 89, of Hollywood, MD, passed away November 10, 2014 surrounded by loving family at his home. He was born in Bronx, New York, on January 29, 1925 to William P. Burke and Eleanor White Burke.

Leaving high school early, Tom proudly served in the United States Army during World War II in the Bomb Disposal Unit. After the war, Tom earned his Bachelors Degree from George Washington University and began his career in the field of Public Relations. He was a reporter for The Washington Star, Editor of the Arlington Daily, Director of Public Affairs for the Maryland-National Park & Planning Commission, Director of Public Relations for American National Bank and then became a Partner with Hoffman Associates Public Relations Firm. Tom finally settled at Holy Cross Hospital as the Director of Public Relations in Silver Spring, MD, where he ultimately retired in 1985, after 15 years of service.

Upon retirement, Tom moved to St. Mary's County with his wife Sally permanently. In St. Mary's County, he continued in the public relations field and in community service as a volunteer and active member with the Rotary Club, St Mary's Historical Society, St. Mary's Hospital Auxiliary, Optimists Club, the Barbershop Quartet, and presided over the annual Oyster Festival for several years. Tom was well-known for his love of family and country, eloquence as an orator, and the stories he shared. His generous nature, smile and voice and solid presence will be dearly missed by so many.

He is survived by six children, Thomas J. Burke, Jr. (Denise Perkins), Michael W. Burke (Lois Pilarowski), Mary Burke-Russell (Kenny Coombs) Robert Burke (Cecile Evans), Eileen Mumford, and Patrick K. Burke (Jean Marie Ferrante), 14 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Eileen (Sally) Lloyd Burke, son, John Edward Burke, brothers, William and John, his sister Evelyn, and grandson Danny Evans.

Friends are invited to celebrate Tom's Life & Legacy Friday, November 14 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonardtown, MD. A service to honor Tom will take place on Saturday, November 15 at 11 a.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home. Reception to follow at Immaculate Conception Church Hall, 28297 Old Village Road, Mechanicsville, MD 20659.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made be made to St. Mary's Hospice, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, Maryland 20650 or the Fisher House Foundation, Inc., 111 Rockville Pike, Suite 420, Rockville, Maryland 20850. Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD.

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