Robert H. “Bob” Burke of Winthrop was called home to God in his Kingdom on February 10, 2023. He was 89 years old. He was born in East Boston to John J. and Mary O. (MacCormick) Burke Sr. and was the dear brother to the late: Rita DiSilvio, Theresa M. Davis, John Burke Jr., Francis E. Burke, and Carol A. Burke.
Bob attended high school in East Boston and continued his education at Northeastern University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering. He started his career at Raytheon, eventually moving to MIT and retiring from Draper Laboratories in Cambridge, MA. There, he worked on nuclear submarines and for NASA. Bob was a Korean War Veteran, serving in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955.
Bob or "Papa" adored his family. He loved spending time with them and chatting on the phone - even mastering the art of text messaging and "selfies". Bob's top priority was his family, never missing a birthday, anniversary, or just a quick call to say "hello" and "I'm thinking of you". Bob loved living in the town of Winthrop, not too far from the home of his favorite Boston Red Sox. You could often find Bob tending to his meticulous yard, planting flowers (especially, roses) and chatting with his neighbors. Bob's family will most remember him as a bright, charming, and quick-witted man who always made people laugh.
Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years Grace L. (Battaglia) Burke of Winthrop; daughter, Karen Sirianni and her husband Anthony of Falmouth; late son, Joseph Burke and his surviving wife Tina of Ashland; son, Robert Burke and his wife Colleen of Saugus; seven grandchildren (Joseph Sirianni, Amanda Evans, Justin Burke, Julia Sirianni, Alivia Burke, Lauren Burke, and Devon Burke); three great-grandchildren (Julian Evans, Jackman Sirianni, and Damien Sirianni); and nephews (Michael DiSilvio and Frank DiSilvio and John and Kevin Burke).
Bob’s funeral will be held on Thursday, February 16th, in St. John the Evangelist Church (St. Michaels Parish) 320 Winthrop St. Winthrop, at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Please go directly to church. Interment will be in Winthrop Cemetery (Belle Isle Section). Donations in Bob’s memory can be made to a charity of your choice.