Obituary of Frank Burke

Poughkeepsie,- Francis R. Burke died on February 2, 2014, surrounded by his family who loved and adored him. Frank was the beloved son of Frank A Burke and Florence O'Neil Burke. Born in New York City, Frank spent most of his life in Poughkeepsie, New York. He graduated from Poughkeepsie High School. He then attended Mohawk Valley Community College where he met his wife of 54 years, Louise Carol Burke, who he cared for during a long illness until she passed away in 2008. Frank served in the US Army from 1953-1956. Frank graduated from Marist College while working at IBM where he had a 36 year career. Together Frank and Louise raised four children, Mary Ellen Burke Horne, Pleasant Valley, NY, John Burke, Poughkeepsie, NY, Linda and Dave Tully, Poughkeepsie, NY and Sharon Burke, Hoboken, New Jersey. He adored his 10 grandchildren; Melanie and Jeff Harris, Noah and Amanda Startup, Dan Startup and Lauren Turino, David, Dylan, Devin and Brendan Tully and his and 5 great grand children. James Pickles, Sierra Harris, Anna Harris, Isabella Startup and Emilia Startup. Frank loved being a grandfather. He enjoyed bringing his grandchildren to school, attending their sporting events and performances. He was always the proudest grandfather. Frank is also survived by his cousin Father John O'Neil, his wonderful Utica Family, the Purcell family, his dear friend Peggy, his 2nd son "John" , his Holy Trinity family and a very large network of friends including the alumni of Poughkeepsie High School and Mohawk Valley Community College. After his retirement from IBM, Frank volunteered for Dutchess County Tourism with his sidekick and life long best friend Tom Sweeney .He then began a new career at the Day's Inn in Poughkeepsie. This was the perfect job for him as he loved meeting new people and trying to make their day better with a joke or simply his smile and fun personality. Frank spent his last years volunteering for Holy Trinity. He attended the 9am mass every day and 12pm on Sunday's. Following mass, he would often visit the Lutheran Center or the home's of many parishioners including the Vacca's to deliver communion along with his warm wishes and many jokes. Frank was truly one of a kind. Everywhere he went he was sure to put a smile on someone's face, whether telling a joke, a very tall tale and usually "leaving them pondering" as he would put it. He brought joy to everyone around him and was loved and will be greatly missed by all.