John Leo Burke

John Leo Burke, 74, of Worthington, passed away at Allegheny General Hospital surrounded by his family on Saturday, October 26, 2019.  He was born May 22, 1945 in Butler County, son of James and Rosamond (Graham) Burke.  John was a lifetime member of St. John’s Roman Catholic Church in Coylesville.  He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, serving from November 1965 to October 1967, as part of the U.S. Marine Corp. During his tour he was in Chu Lai, DA Nang, and Phu Bai. His primary duty was motor transport with air wing. He was awarded the following medal: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 1 Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, and the Good Conduct Medal.  He was a lifetime member of Ford City V.F.W. Post 4843, American Legion 828 in Worthington, the Worthington West Franklin Fire Department, and the Fraternal Order Of the Eagles.

John worked the midnight shift during his senior year of high school at Pullman Standard and then attended class at Butler High School where he was a 1964 graduate. After graduation he continued his career at Pullman Standard before being drafted . Upon his return he worked at Pittsburgh Metals Purifying, Dean McKee Excavating, and AMSA 110 G in Butler, where he retired after 28 years. John enjoyed plowing snow for his neighbors and community for many years. In his free time John loved helping and giving advice to anyone that needed it, as well as working on cars, and building things for family. There was not much he could not do. He loved spending time with family and friends, especially his 7 grandchildren and two 1 year old great grandchildren. They always brought a smile to him. He was someone you could always count on.

He is survived by his loving wife, Prudence (Hooks) Burke, of 54 years, who he married September 18, 1965; daughters, Gidget (John) Kidder, and Tonya (Tony) Little; grandchildren, Allison (Adam) Croyle, Alecia Kidder, Megan (Colin) Galey, Jonathan, Abigail, Andrew and Anna Little; Great Grandchildren, Ezekiel Croyle and Clare Galey; and bonus daughter, Karen (Andrew) Nigra.  Also surving are his brothers, Tom (Linda) Burke, Don (Cheryl) Burke, Ron (Liliana) Burke, Norman Dean (Tracy) Burke, Daniel (Tammy) Burke; sisters, Barbara (Randal) McCue, Norma Jean (Bruce) Fallecker; brothers-in-law, Herbert Hooks, Amos (Linda) Hooks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother-in-law, Violet Ruffner; father-in-law Ivan J. Hooks; brother Lawrence Burke, sister Anna (Harry) Bergbigler, brother in law Robert Landgraf, sister in laws Janice Hooks and Betty Hooks.

Family and friends will be received on Monday October 28, 2019 in the F. Duane Snyder Funeral Home, 119 Bear St., Worthington, PA 16262 from 7:00 – 9:00pm and on Tuesday October 29, 2019 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 7:00 – 9:00pm. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday October 30, 2019 in St. John’s Roman Catholic Church Coylesville with Rev. Matt McClain as celebrant. Burial will follow in St. John’s Church Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in John’s memory to the Worthington American Legion Post 828 for a scholarship fund in John’s memory, P.O Box 357, Worthington, PA 16262

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