Francis “Frank” Martin Burke, 62, of Whitman, Massachusetts went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, January 18th, 2025. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family. After a courageous three and a half year battle with cancer, Frank is now healed and whole in Heaven.
To know Frank was to love him. He treated everyone he met with genuine kindness, respect, and a loving compassion that reflected his heavenly Father’s. Frank was the embodiment of a humble leader and a patient teacher in all areas of his life. Whether in his work at Devereaux, service at Calvary Chapel, or role as a husband and father, Frank’s perseverance, consistency, dedication, and optimism were unwavering. Anyone who knew him could attest to his bright smile, a testament to the joy he found in Christ.
Born in Sligo, Ireland to his parents Patrick Joseph Burke and Mary (Lyons) Burke, Frank and his seven siblings grew up in rural Ballyfarnon, Roscommon, Ireland. His humble upbringing without running water or electricity instilled in him a lifelong ingenuity and resourcefulness as well as an incredible work ethic. He carried these attributes with him as he emigrated to America at the age of 23 and arrived in Boston, Massachusetts without connections or family. He soon found both, working in a variety of fields and meeting Mary, the love of his life, in 1989 and marrying her back in Ireland in 1991.
Frank spent most of his professional life working in the natural gas utilities industry. He worked with R.J. Devereaux Corporation for 23 years, moving from a laborer to a foreman, and eventually to the director of safety and training. Frank committed to everything wholeheartedly and his work was no exception. He brought his diligence, problem solving skills, discernment, and signature “Burke” hustle to every aspect of his job seen or unseen, becoming a teacher and mentor to many of his coworkers. Frank always felt blessed to be part of the extended family at Devereaux and loved to share stories of his time there.
Frank is survived by his wife of 33 years Mary (Curley) Burke, and daughters Sharon, Laura, and Emily Burke, as well as siblings Padraig Burke of London, England, Marie (Burke) Quinlan of Galway, Ireland, Anthony Burke of Norwood, Noel Burke of Nottingham, England, Ann (Burke) Whelan of Roscommon, Ireland, and Brendan Burke of Weymouth. He was also a beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. Frank was predeceased by his parents Patrick and Mary Burke and his brother Michael Burke.
Frank enjoyed going on walks with his wife and family, spending time outdoors kayaking and taking photographs, maintaining his beautiful garden and lawn, and coming up with creative and ingenious “Macgyver”-like solutions to problems.
The most important part of Frank’s life was his walk with Jesus. After becoming a born again Christian in 1996, his religion became a relationship and Jesus Christ became the cornerstone of Frank’s life. He attended Calvary Chapel Boston in Rockland for over 26 years,
answering the call to serve in any capacity. Whether teaching in a Sunday School classroom or on a Wednesday night, leading men’s Bible study, ministering at home with marriage ministry, Bible studies, and prayer groups, serving in the prison ministry or on missions in Mexico, or
simply praying over the phone, he approached all his service with complete commitment to the leading of the Holy Spirit. He will be remembered for worshipping wholeheartedly every Sunday
with hands lifted high. Frank was approachable, always willing to lend a hand, offer a listening ear, provide encouragement and wisdom, or lift up a prayer.
Frank was a jack of all trades and a man who wore many hats - husband, father, brother, friend, pastor, mentor, teacher, neighbor, and many more but above all his life was a living witness for his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In every aspect of his life, Frank could truly say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” (2 Timothy 4:7).
Funeral services will be private, but all are invited to a Celebration of Life memorial service at Calvary Chapel - 175 Market St. Rockland, MA on Sunday, January 26th at 1pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank’s memory may be made to Samaritan’s Purse.
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