Henry J. Burke

Waltham – Mr. Henry J. "Hank" Burke, Jr., of Waltham, died on Thursday, December 2, 2021 in Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston. He was 83 years old.

Hank was born in Watertown on June 20, 1938, one of four children born to the late Henry J. and Eva M. (Masse) Burke. He was raised in Watertown and was a graduate of Watertown High School. After that he earned a certificate in industrial electronics from the Industrial Technical School in Boston.

Hank also served with the Massachusetts Army National Guard.

Following a seven year courtship he married his sweetheart, Waltham native Patrica A. Bassing, on October 28, 1961 in Saint Jude Church in Waltham. The couple made their home in Watertown for ten years before moving back to Waltham. There they became very active at Saint Jude's and were involved in every aspect of parish life.

Hank worked for over forty years for the New England Telephone & Telegraph Company and retired as a network engineer after the company had become known as Verizon. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers.

He was handy around the house and a talented chef and baker in the kitchen. Never one to sit idle he was a lifelong learner too . . . including earning a certificate as an oil heat technician from the New England Fuel Institute.

Many happy summers were spent with the family at their cottage in West Dennis where Hank showcased his Model A Ford at the town sponsored Annual Antique Car Show. Retirement afforded Hank the opportunity to spend time with Pat and with his cherished grandchildren.

In addition to his beloved wife of sixty years, Patricia, he leaves his children, Edward J. Burke and his wife, Maureen, of Waltham, Brian H. Burke and his wife, Nadine, of Billerica, and Kathleen M. Santolucito and her husband, Thomas, of Waltham; his grandchildren, Siobhan and Michael Burke, and T.J., Jaclyn, and Kate Santolucito; and many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Hank was also the brother of the late Theresa Donnellan, Jean Spears, and Thomas Burke.

Family and friends will honor and remember Hank's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Wednesday, December 8th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Thursday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Saint Joseph's Cemetery, West Roxbury.

To watch a broadcast of Hank's Funeral Mass please use this link on Thursday morning at 10:30 a.m. https://my.gather.app/remember/henry-burke

Memorial donations may be made to the Saint Vincent dePaul Society, c/o Saint Jude Parish, 147 Main Street, Waltham, Massachusetts 02453 www.saintjudewaltham.org