Obituary of William James Burke

William James Burke passed away on June 16, 2023, at the age of 89 at his home in Venice, Florida. Born to John and Violet (Carmody) Burke on April 13, 1934. Bill was in the last class to graduate from Wakeman High School in 1952. He attended Kent State University on a basketball scholarship. He joined the Army and was stationed in Germany during his enlistment. After proudly serving his country, he finished his bachelor’s degree in education at Ohio University and began teaching Social Studies in Wellington, Ohio, where he met his wife. He went on to earn his master’s degree from Kent State University. He retired from teaching after 26 years.

Bill was a gifted athlete, excelling in many sports, including football, basketball, baseball, and track in high school, followed by basketball and baseball at Kent State. Beyond college he played softball, golf, and volleyball. In his later years he played tennis well into his 80’s. Bill loved to travel with his family and visit historical landmarks. He was an avid reader, enjoying biographies and reading at least two newspapers every day. He was a member of St Mary Catholic Church in Wakeman, OH, Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, FL, the American Legion, VFW, Eagles, and Moose.

Bill is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jeanette. Sons Kean (Heidi), Brennan (Cathy), and Dane. sister Marie Rodgers (John, deceased), brothers Jack (Dee, deceased), and Bob (Julie), 4 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Tom Burke, his sister Patricia Hipp, and grandson Ryan Burke.

A Funeral Mass will be held at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice, FL on July 17th at 10:45AM.

An interment ceremony will be held at St Mary Catholic Cemetery in Wakeman, OH, on August 5th at 2PM.

In lieu of flowers the family has asked for donations to the Wakeman Library or TideWell Hospice in Venice, FL.