Obituary for John "Jack" Burke
John “Jack” Burke, 73, of Bellefonte, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 24, 2023. Born on February 1, 1950, in Carbondale, he was the son of the late John and Margaret Burke. On May 25, 1975, he married the love of his life, Diane (Pechusick) Burke, who survives at home after sharing 48 years of marriage together.
Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy from June 1969 until he was honorably discharged in March 1972. During his time in the service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He graduated from Penn State with his degree in Education. He spent his entire career teaching at SCI Rockview until his retirement.
In addition to his wife, Diane, he is also survived by his daughter, Katey Burke of Bellefonte, his son, Colin Burke (Julie) of Lock Haven, and granddaughters, Ashlynne and Aubrey Burke. Also surviving are three sisters, Carol Hand (Tom), Mary Lou Kulbacki (Fran), and Colleen Mummert, and three brothers, Bob Burke (Clarisse), Kevin Burke (Ruth) and Ed Burke (Erin), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack was a past member of the Bellefonte Knights of Columbus and the Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hunt. He also loved history, reading, SciFi, and comic books. He also enjoyed watching Penn State football and basketball, and his New York Giants. Throughout the years, Jack made many lifelong friendships. He was always happy to be with his “Band of Fraternity Brothers” – Jimbo, Bruce, Mario, and Brent.
As per Jack’s request, there will be no public services. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jack to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Jack proudly served his country in the United States Navy from June 1969 until he was honorably discharged in March 1972. During his time in the service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal. He graduated from Penn State with his degree in Education. He spent his entire career teaching at SCI Rockview until his retirement.
In addition to his wife, Diane, he is also survived by his daughter, Katey Burke of Bellefonte, his son, Colin Burke (Julie) of Lock Haven, and granddaughters, Ashlynne and Aubrey Burke. Also surviving are three sisters, Carol Hand (Tom), Mary Lou Kulbacki (Fran), and Colleen Mummert, and three brothers, Bob Burke (Clarisse), Kevin Burke (Ruth) and Ed Burke (Erin), and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jack was a past member of the Bellefonte Knights of Columbus and the Bellefonte Elks Lodge #1094. He enjoyed the outdoors and loved to hunt. He also loved history, reading, SciFi, and comic books. He also enjoyed watching Penn State football and basketball, and his New York Giants. Throughout the years, Jack made many lifelong friendships. He was always happy to be with his “Band of Fraternity Brothers” – Jimbo, Bruce, Mario, and Brent.
As per Jack’s request, there will be no public services. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Wetzler Funeral Service, Inc. in Bellefonte.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in memory of Jack to a charity of the donor’s choice.