BURKE, Roger Middleton A resident of Weston, Massachusetts for 58 years, passed away suddenly on November 4, 2017. He was 87. Beloved husband of 56 years to the late Susan Thorndike (Reardon) Burke. Loving father of Karin B. Gilman and her husband Brian of East Bridgewater, MA; Lindsay T. Parrett and her husband John of Orlando, FL; Meredith D. Grant and her husband Lyle of Edmonds, WA; Nicholas T. Burke and his wife Rosamund of Norfolk, MA; Alexandra B. Ewing and her husband Richard of Nashville, TN, and the late Stephanie B. Older. Also grandfather to 11 loving grandchildren: Katharine, Brian, Jennifer, Lucas, Daniel, Samuel, Elizabeth, John (Jack), Harrison, Richard, and Madeleine.
Roger was born on March 12, 1930 in Chestnut Hill, MA. He attended Shady Hill School, Dublin School, and Phillips Andover Academy (class of 1948). He earned his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1952 and was a Lieutenant in the Navy from 1953-1956. Roger graduated from the Harvard Business School in 1958. He spent most of his working life developing his own business, TNCO, Inc. in Whitman, MA with his brother-in-law, the late George Honkanen. He was an avid runner, tennis player and skier. Roger was actively involved in the Weston Council on Aging, the Weston Forest and Trail Association, and served as a volunteer visitor to shut-ins. Roger had an active mind, loved to read aloud and do crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and had a passion for playing “Words with Friends”. He was also very interested in natural health and wellness.
Visiting hours will be held at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 477 Washington St., (Rt.16), WELLESLEY on Thursday, November 9 from 4:00-8:00 PM. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday, November 10 at 11:00 AM. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in Roger’s memory to the American Heart Association, 300 5th Ave., Waltham, MA 02451.