Harry A. Burke

Harry Ambrose Burke age 94 (February 28, 1929) of Branford passed away on Friday May 5, 2023, at The Grimes Center in New Haven with his daughter Dorian and his nurse Lynn by his side. Harry was pre-deceased by his wife of 63 years Lorraine (Pinky) Burke and his daughter-in-law Sharon Burke. He was one of 8 children born to Charles and Lillian Burke.   

At the age of 16 Harry joined the US Navy during WW II and was a Fireman 1st class stationed on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Franklin D Roosevelt, spending much of his deployment in the Mediterranean Sea as a part of the United States sixth fleet. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. In 1948, Harry was Honorably discharged from the Navy and shortly thereafter secured employment with Avco (Textron) Lycoming in the Security Department.  Given his work ethic and loyalty to the company, Harry continued to rise through the ranks and eventually was named the Director of Security. In 1995 he retired after 45 years of employment.  

Harry and Pinky raised their children in West Haven. Throughout the years, Harry served as a baseball coach for his sons and is fondly remembered by many of their friends as the coach with the cigar who had a calm demeanor.  Following his retirement, Harry and his wife moved to Branford where he became an active member of the Branford Senior Center.  He loved to bowl, shoot pool, play bocce and most of all he loved Friday night cards even though he complained of getting nothing but 2’s and 3’s.  However, his greatest love was his family. He could always be found attending his grandchildren’s sporting events and became known to all their friends as Grampa Burke.  

Harry is survived by his three children; Paul (Theresa) Burke of Murrells Inlet South Carolina, Dorian (Robert) Santoemma of Branford, Harry S. Burke of North Haven and his seven grandchildren: Zack (Maria) and Luke Massella; Kate, Lauren and Samantha Burke; and Zakery and Sofia Santoemma. He is also survived by his brother, Patrick Burke of Vernon CT. The family would like to give special thanks to the dedicated staff at The Grimes Center who treated Harry with compassion and kindness during his final days. In addition, the family extends their deepest gratitude to his home care nurses, Lynn and Mike, who worked tirelessly for the last year to ensure that Harry was safe and comfortable at home. They became a part of Harry’s extended family.  

Family and friends may visit the Keenan Funeral Home, 330 Notch Hill Rd., North Branford, Thursday May 11 from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a service in the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. 
Interment with full military honors will follow at St. Lawrence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grimes Center 1354 Chapel Street New Haven CT 06511.   

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