Bruce Lee Burke

Bruce L. Burke of Berwick, Maine passed away at the age of 83 on November 8, 2024 with family by his side at Wentworth-Douglass Hospital in Dover, New Hampshire. Bruce, who was diagnosed with cancer in June 2024, fought valiantly until the end.  

Bruce was born on September 8, 1941 in Akron, Ohio, to Harold and Hilda Burke. Bruce graduated from Akron High School in 1959, where he was actively involved in many clubs such as theater, basketball, yearbook, and chemistry. Most importantly, during high school, he met the love of his life, Irene. Following his graduation from high school, Bruce attended the University of Akron, where he was a distinguished student of the Air Force R.O.T.C. and received a Bachelor of Arts in Education. 

Following his graduation from college, Bruce bravely served his country in the United States Air Force. Bruce built a successful career in the Air Force serving in the Vietnam War, where he earned a Bronze Star Medal. Bruce retired in 1989 with the rank of Colonel after 26 years, one of his proudest career accomplishments. His last job in the military was as the base closing officer for the Pease Development Authority. In tandem with his service in the Air Force, Bruce became an accomplished scholar, earning his Master of Science in Planning from the University of Tennessee and his Doctor of Public Administration from Nova University. 

Bruce's greatest love in life was his wife, whom he married in 1962. Bruce and Irene went on to have two beautiful children, Lisa Anne and Kelly Ann. 

In 2007, Bruce settled into a happy and peaceful retirement with his beloved wife. Bruce was known for going to bed early and rising early the next day to tend to his yard and his flowers, which he was tremendously proud of. Bruce had a deep love of lottery tickets, cheese puffs, afternoon naps, and a good glass of wine. He took pride in sharing the wonders of nature and the small victories of life with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren. 

Married for 62 beautiful years, Bruce is survived by his wife, Irene; his two children, Lisa of Rockledge, Florida, and Kelly of Dover, New Hampshire; as well as his grandchildren Devon, Zeyna, Sophia, Ikram, and Leila. Bruce is also survived by his sister Irene, brother Edmund, and their spouses and children. 

The funeral services will be privately held at the Southern Maine Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Springvale, Maine.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made on Bruce

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