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Thomas J. Burke

Thomas J. Burke, 86, of Madison, passed away peacefully on March 17, at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Born July 2, 1936, in Pleasantville, New York, Thomas was the son of the late John Francis Burke and Julia (Downing) Burke. He was raised in Pleasantville and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Katonah, New York, in 1954. He went on to Iona College, earning a bachelor’s degree, and then to the University of Bridgeport, earning his Master of Business Administration. He worked as a marketing executive at a variety of companies, including Hamilton Beach, Waring, and Cadco Ltd. During this time, he traveled and was proud to have visited all 50 states and several countries in Europe. A history buff, he enjoyed visiting many museums and historical sites.

Thomas married the love of his life, Suzanne (Stone) Burke, Sept. 8, 1962. They shared 60 long and happy years together, raising their family and building a loving home.

Above all else, Tom’s greatest joy was his family, those he held closest to his heart. As well as his parents, Tom was predeceased by his sister, Liz Sherman (Jack). He is survived by sisters Julie Madsen (Bob) of Vero Beach, Florida, and Patricia Brebbia (John) of Las Vegas.

Tom will be greatly missed by his wife, Suzanne, and by his children, Jennifer Murphy (Thomas) of Holland, Pennsylvania; Julie Coogan (Robert) of Middlefield; and Jon Burke (Yvette) of Ballwin, Missouri. He is survived by his loving grandchildren, Kate Murphy Citro (Louis), Tara Murphy (Bobby Meyer), Dan Murphy, Erin Murphy, Abbey and Colleen Coogan, and Stone and Royce Burke, as well as his great-grandchildren, Michael, Mackenzie, and Louis Citro.

Calling Hours will be held from 5 until 7 p.m. Friday, March 31, at Swan Funeral Home, located at 825 Boston Post Road, Madison. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 1, at St. Margaret Catholic Church, located at 24 Academy Street, Madison. Burial will follow at West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Thomas’ name to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT, 06405, or rideclosertofree.org to benefit Smilow Cancer Hospital or a charity of your choice.