Patrick Joseph Burke

Patrick J. Burke, age 87 of Wilmington, Delaware passed away peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2024. Pat was born on January 8, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA, where he was raised and educated. He enlisted in the U. S. Army and served with the 82nd and 11th Airborne Divisions and received an Honorable Discharge in 1958. In June 1966, Pat married his lovely wife Carolyn E. (Pyle) of Wilmington. On their 1st anniversary, they moved into their forever home in North Graylyn Crest. He was a driving instructor for Keystone Auto Club, drove for Short Line Bus Co., West Chester, PA., and hi-speed trains for Red Arrow Division, SEPTA. He was in outside sales for SAC Tires, Wilmington Blue Print, and Dodd Dental Laboratory. He was a personal needs coordinator with Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home. Lastly, he thoroughly enjoyed being a personal chauffeur for 10-plus years. Pat joined Granite Lodge #34 A.F. & A.M. in 1975 and was a very dedicated Freemason. He served as Worshipful Master in 1982 and was awarded Worshipful Master of the Year. He served on the Grand Lodge Staff of Delaware from 1984 to 1985 as Junior Warden and as Grand Marshal from 2006 to 2007. He was proud of his commitment to the Masonic life. He was a member of the Scottish Rite Valley of Wilmington (1977) and was Sovereign Prince in addition to working with the degree team doing their make up for over 35 years. For his work and dedication to Masonic work, he received the Meritorious Service Award and was elevated to 33rd Degree. He was a member of Nur Shrine Temple since 1977, member of the Clown Unit, and Potentate in 1993. Pat was also a member of Crescent Shrine Temple Clowns, Westampton, NJ. Pat is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Carolyn; son, Timothy J. (Kim) of Thornton, CO; 3 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Richard of Ohio; mother, Marie and brother, Richard Burke both of Philadelphia, PA. Family and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 9:30 am to 10:45 am at Strano & Feeley Family Funeral Home, 635 Churchmans Road, Newark, DE 19702. A Masonic Service will take place at 10:45 am. A service in celebration of Pat’s life will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Chester Bethel Church Cemetery, 2615 Foulk Road, Wilmington, DE 19810. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to Lombardy Hall Foundation, in Memory of Patrick Burke, P.O. Box 7036, Wilmington, DE 19803. For directions or to send an online condolence, visit www.stranofeeley.com

Patrick Joseph Burke

January 8, 1937 - May 23, 2024

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