Anthony Richard Burke, Sr. age 77, of Rich Valley Road, Emporium, died Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at Penn Highlands-Elk, after a lengthy illness. A son of the late Robert E. “Bob” and Leonore Theresa (Murphy) Burke, he was born on October 11, 1947 in St. Marys, PA.
Tony is survived by: his wife of 37 years, Joyce (Neyman) Burke; 8 children, Leah (Robert Bush) Burke, Richard "Rick" (Nanci) Burke, Seann (Michael) Thomas, Danielle (Dwayne) Hopwood, Charlotte "Erin" (Gary Brewer) Burke, Robert "Rob" Burke, Anthony "Tony" Burke Jr. and Matthew "Matt" Burke; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Michael "Mike" (Lisa) Burke and Stanley "Stan" Burke; 6 sisters, Mary Theresa "Terri" Burke, Marion "Mamie" (Kevin) Shadduck, Marylin "Missy" (the late Daniel) Cortina, Maria (Randy) Beers, Mona "Monie" Burke and Marlena "Sweed" (Michael) Fox; and nieces and nephews too numerous to count.
Besides his parents, Tony was predeceased by: an infant granddaughter, Deliah Mae Thomas; and 4 brothers, Robert James "Jim" Burke, Reginald "Reggie" Burke, Carter Burke and William "Bill" Burke.
Tony was raised in Caledonia and lived his adult life in Emporium. He attended Bennetts Valley High School and served in the US Navy and US Navy Reserves. In addition to working as a mechanic his whole life, in his younger years he was a brilliant automotive body and paint man, having to give up the painting craft due to health reasons. Anyone who has ever seen his work will agree that nobody could paint a car like Tony Burke.
From an early age, Tony enjoyed taking things apart to see how they worked. As a child, he dismantled his grandfather's railroad pocket watch and, when he couldn't get the springs back into the case, he buried it in the yard. He also took apart the family television, radios, and various vehicles, putting them back together in working order with no one the wiser. There were very few things he could not fix. He was a fan of Creedence Clearwater Revival, Star Trek, Doctor Who, the Indiana Jones films, and science and history documentaries. He spent his last day surrounded by his family, with "Ancient Aliens" playing on TV for background noise.
Tony had a deep love of Fig Newtons, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, ice cream, old cars, especially Studebakers, and beer. He was a member of the Miller-Raffaele VFW Post 6221 and the Christabelle Club in Emporium.
Public visitation will be held on Monday, November 25, 2024 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Ralph M. Geer Funeral Home of Penfield, PA.
Funeral Services will be held, 1:00 p.m., Monday, at the funeral home with Father Mark Mastrian.
Military Honors will be accorded by the Bennetts Valley American Legion Post 978 Honor Guard.
Interment will take place in the St. Cecelia Cemetery of Benezette.
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