Obituary of Francis W. Burke

Francis W. “Frank”, “Gamps” Burke, 94, of Peabody, died peacefully at his residence on Sunday, October 11, 2020, surrounded by his family. He was the beloved husband of the late Joyce F. (Mc Grath) Burke. He was born in Salem, MA, on June 25, 1926, the son of the late William M. and Mary (Firth) Burke and was raised there and played all sports with the Broad Street Pawnees. He had resided in Peabody for the past 55 years. Frank was a veteran of WW II serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Astoria prior to his discharge in 1946. He had been a member of the VFW Post 1524 of Salem. He had been employed with the Swift Co. of Salem for 29 years prior to his retirement. He and his wife enjoyed camping and boating in Ossipee, NH, and then traveling across the United States in his motor home. He adored all his grandchildren and great grandchildren, helping them grow and mature. He is survived by his children and their spouses: Marilyn J. Kocur and her late husband Ronald Kocur of Peabody, Bonnie A. Carbone of Moultonboro, NH, Michael F. and Kimberly Burke of Peabody, and his precious grandchildren Ronald and his wife Jennifer Kocur of Peabody, Daniel and his wife Kim Kocur of Beverly, Benjamin and his wife Nicole Carbone of Hooksett, NH, Amy and her husband Jim Mavris of Meredith, NH, Shannah McShay and her husband Ryan of Marblehead, Jeffery Burke and his wife Casey of Haverhill; his great grandchildren Christian Kocur, Lyla and Colton Kocur, Grace and Molly Mavris, Dallas McShay, Miles and Holden Carbone, a former son-in-law, Thomas Carbone, and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Thomas E. Burke, Mary “Winnie’ Scullin and Marguerite Amor. Due to Covid 19, a private visitation and funeral service was held on Monday October 19,, 2020, at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral home in Peabody. A Committal service will be held on Wednesday in St. Joseph Cemetery, Lynn. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7022, Merrifield, VA, 22116, in his memory.