Benjamin J. Burke

Warm, Compassionate, Fun-Loving

Benjamin J. “Red” Burke, 87, of Nunnawauk Meadows, Newtown, beloved husband of Ruth A. (Van Houten) Burke, died June 11 at Danbury Hospital following a long illness. He was born in Bridgeport on November 23, 1919, son of John J. and Ruth Susan (White) Burke.

Besides his beloved wife of 65 years, Mr Burke is survived by a daughter, Susan Brandolin and her husband, Ray, of Wake Forest, N.C.; a son, John J. Burke and his wife, Linda, of Danbury; a sister, Monica Schmidt of Danbury; three grandchildren, Brenda White of Ramseur, N.C., Jeff McKay and wife, Kelly, of Swedesboro, N.J., and Melissa Burke of Danbury; five great-grandchildren, Amanda White, Allan White, Kyle White, Sophia McKay, and Savannah McKay; one great-great-grandchild, Emily White; a foster son, Robert Coombs of Hutchinson, Kan.; and several nieces and nephews.

He proudly served his country during World War II from 1943 to 1945 and was stationed in the Philippines and New Guinea. Following his return, he worked briefly at Brookfield Supply and then spent 40 years as a devoted office manager at Platt Lumber in Hawleyville.

In 1950, Mr Burke bought a small lot on Beaver Brook Road in Danbury and built a home to raise his family, where he and Ruth lived until 1996, when they moved to Nunnawauk Meadows. After a brief retirement, he went back to work as a driver and maintenance helper at Photronics Labs in Brookfield.

Many will remember Mr Burke as “Red” from Platt Lumber, some will remember him as Santa Claus, which he played every year at gatherings, schools, and hospitals; but all will remember him as a warm, compassionate, fun-loving man who deeply loved his family. He will be loved, missed, and remembered by many.

At Mr Burke’s request, there will be no calling hours. Cremation will take place at the direction of the family. A private memorial service will be held by the family at their convenience.

 As a proud WWII veteran, Mr Burke would be deeply appreciative of donations in his name to Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati OH 45250.

 Arrangements are in care of the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown.

The Newtown Bee        June 15, 2007