Burke, William T. of Needham, May 24, 2021. Beloved husband of the late Therese E. (Reilly) Burke who also passed away May 24, 2021. Devoted father of Marie (Burke) Keyes of Canton, William Burke (Deborah) of Norwood, Robert Burke (Jeanne) of Millis and the late Rynn Burke (Beth) of St. Paul. Proud and loving grandfather of Harrison, Aidan and Colin Keyes, William and Christopher Burke, and Allison Burke. Brother of Joseph Burke and his wife Patricia of Naples, FL and Mashpee MA. Predeceased by his parents Thomas Burke and Emily Burke and siblings Emily, Eileen, Mary and Leo. He also leaves many loving nieces, nephews and friends.
A resident of Needham for more than 50 years, Bill was a Needham Town Meeting Member, a member of VFW Post 2478, the Needham Democratic Town Committee, the Needham Retired Men’s Club, the Needham Council on Aging, a volunteer at the Needham BID Hospital, and was instrumental in the expansion of the Needham Senior Center. A World War II Army veteran, Bill received 5 bronze service stars, and a Presidential Unit Citation for his service in New Guinea and the Philippines. He was a graduate of Northeastern University from which he received engineering and management degrees. Bill was previously employed at radio station WMEX, the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and was retired from the US Air Force.
Visiting hours at the George F. Doherty & Sons Funeral Home, 1305 Highland Ave. Needham, on Monday, June 7, from 4-7pm. Funeral service on Tuesday, June 8 at 11am in the Funeral Home. Interment in Mass. National Cemetery, Bourne.