John Edward Burke, 54, of Waldorf, MD died November 10, 2010 at the Hospice House of St. Mary's.

Born February 6, 1956 in Arlington, VA he was the son of Thomas J. Burke, Sr. and the late Eileen V. (Sally) Burke.

John attended private and public schools in Silver Spring, MD graduating from Montgomery Blair High School. His on-the-job training installing security systems began a work career in which he participated in many phases of the construction industry. He especially enjoyed opportunities to work in other areas of the country. His work on commercial projects in Nebraska, Colorado, and California and travel throughout New Mexico and Arizona led to extensive reading about the settlement and development of the west.

An accomplished storyteller, he was devoted to two generations of nephews and nieces (25 of them) who delighted in the recounting of his real or imagined travel and work experiences.

Injuries sustained in an automobile accident in 1993 severely limited him physically, worsening and disabling him in subsequent years. His earlier work throughout the Washington region brought him to the Southern Maryland area and he resided in Waldorf, Hollywood and Leonardtown at various times prior to relocating to North Beach to live with an older brother.

Frequent hospitalizations and increasing frailty led to his admission to Chesapeake Shores Nursing Center in Great Mills and his decision to enter Hospice of St. Mary's Hospice House in Callaway early in November.

John is survived by his father Thomas J. Burke, Sr. of Hollywood, MD, and his siblings, Thomas J. Burke, Jr. of North Beach, MD, Michael (Lois) Burke of Prince Frederick, MD, Mary Burke-Russell (Kenny Coombs) of Hollywood, MD, Robert (Cecile) Burke of Garden City, ID, Eileen Mumford of Waldorf, MD and Patrick (Jean) Burke of Mechanicsville, MD.

Family will receive friends for John's Life Celebration on Sunday, November 14, 2010 from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, 22955 Hollywood Road, Leonadtown, MD 20650. A funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's, P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.