Erik M. Burke, age 24, of South Easton, passed away March 3, 2017 at Good Samaritan Medical Center. Born in Brockton, he was the son of John M. and Mary E. “Lisa” (Lawson) Burke and a Mayflower descendent of John Alden. An Easton native, Erik was a graduate of Oliver Ames High School and attended UMass Amherst and Bridgewater State University.
At the time of his death, he was a senior at Bridgewater State and employed as a technician for NORAD, Inc. His passions were automotive restoration and customization, his own custom SUV, and musical performance – he played guitar, classical piano, bass, and drums. He also enjoyed camping, hiking, sailing, golf, x-country skiing, dirt biking and off-roading. Beginning at a very early age he accompanied his mother on research field trips to Pacific island destinations that included Hawaii, Palau, Kiribati, and the Marshall Islands, and he traveled widely throughout the continental United States. He was known for his eclectic musical tastes, quick wit, and hearty laugh.
In addition to his parents, Erik is survived by his sister Allison J. Burke of South Boston, his uncles Lawrence Burke of Tarzana, CA, Gary Burke of Quincy, MA, and Douglas Proctor of Marshfield, MA, his aunts Linda Proctor of Marshfield, MA, Adelita Burke of San Diego, CA, and Paulann Pappas of Dover, NH, and cousins Joseph Proctor and Anna Proctor of Marshfield, MA, Eric Burke of San Diego, CA, and Julee Ann Holcombe of Dover, NH, and his beloved dog of 15 years, Hilo.
Visitation will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street, (Rte 123) Brockton, Saturday 1-5 PM. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Erik’s name to Winslow Farm Animal Sanctuary, 37 Eddy Street, Norton, MA 02766.