Thomas E. Burke

Thomas E. Burke, of Wakefield, RI, died July 6. Born in Brooklyn, New York on July 2, 1932, he was the son of Richard Burke and Anne (Corcoran) Burke. He grew up in the East Flatbush section of Brooklyn and graduated from Brooklyn Prep in 1949. His youth centered on family, faith, and the Irish community in which he was raised. His father, Chief Richard Burke, FDNY, was a strong early presence and memories of accompanying him to firehouses across New York city endured. Tom attended Niagara University and earned an A.B. degree (cum laude) in history. Following service in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer, Tom attended Columbia University earning his J.D. in 1958. In 1966, Tom married Joan E. Markey, of Inwood, Manhattan, and their marriage continued for the following 54 years. Tom and Joan were longtime residents of Wyckoff, New Jersey where they raised their family. Along with his wife, he is survived by his beloved brother, Richard Burke of Rye, New York, and his children: Patrick Burke of Wakefield, RI (Kathleen McKelvey) and Elizabeth Burke Gould of Narragansett, RI (David Gould). His four grandchildren include Caitlin Burke, Aidan Burke, Alex Gould, and Bennett Gould. Tom was predeceased by his sisters, Rita Lanigan and Veronica McDonnell, and his niece Janet Lanigan. Tom diligently pursued the practice of law at the New York City firms Mendes & Mount and LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae. With a focus on insurance, he represented U.S. and non-U.S. insurers on regulatory, licensing, and corporate matters. Tom’s professional life also included years with American International Group. His tenure at AIG provided the family with lifetime memories from their years living in Bermuda. His final posting as the resident Partner of LeBoeuf’s London office concluded a long professional career dedicated to serving his clients and nurturing collegial working relationships with many talented colleagues. The family wishes to express sincere thanks for the care that Tom received in recent years from the compassionate, hardworking, and kind health professionals at Brookdale South Bay and Brightview Commons. Additionally, the guidance and partnership of the Hope Health Hospice team is profoundly appreciated. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 12th from 9:30am -10:30am in Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia Street, Wakefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, South Kingstown. Burial will follow at St. Francis Cemetery, South Kingstown.