Ralph Burke

Ralph J. Burke, age 88, a lifelong Wakefield resident, died on Monday, August 27 at his residence.

Born in Wakefield on October 2, 1929, he was the son of the late Gustuave and Marion (Doucette) Burke.

Mr. Burke was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1947. He had served in the National Guard and was a former member of the Wakefield Knights of Columbus. He was the former owner of Ralph J. Burke Roofing Company, which his father opened in 1941. Mr. Burke enjoyed traveling extensively with his wife. Together they took annual trips to Acapulco, Mexico and had also traveled the globe, visiting China, India, Thailand, New Zealand, and Australia, to name a few.

He is survived by his wife Jean M. (Whitford) Burke, his six children; Ellen Sessa of Wakefield, Ralph J. Burke, Jr. and his wife Karen of Dracut, Susan Coscia and her husband William of York, ME, Thomas Burke and his wife Kimberly of Peabody, Daniel Burke and his wife Chely of Wakefield, and Katherine Hanna and her husband Kevin of Stoneham, and his sister; Nancy LaForge of Beverly. Mr. Burke is also survived by his 17 grandchildren and one great grandchild. He was predeceased by his brother; Richard Burke and his two sisters; Barbara Plumb and Joan Hamel.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Friday from 3-7 PM. His Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Saturday at 10:30 AM. Interment will be at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Father Angels Orphanage, Casa Hogar del Padre Angel A.C., Simon Bolivar 12, 39907, Acapulco, Gro.

August 31, 2018
3:00 PM to 7:00 PM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550

September 01, 2018
10:30 AM

McDonald Funeral Home
19 Yale Ave
Wakefield, MA 01880
(781) 245-3550