Thomas W. Burke

Thomas W. Burke, of Ringtown, was called home to be with the Lord on April 9, 2021.  He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at The Schuylkill Medical Center - East after a brief and courageous battle with cancer and complications from COVID-19.

He was born on May 21, 1938 in Philadelphia and was the son of the late Attorney Joseph and Irene (nee: Moore) Burke. He was a graduate of LaSalle Military Academy, Oakdale, NY and St. Francis University, Loretta, PA.  

Tom was also a US Navy pilot, and served at the Naval Air Station, Pensacola Florida. Tom was a tool and die maker\machinist by trade. He had worked for several local companies, including Yankee Plastics of Ringtown & Genova Plastics, Hazleton. He owned and operated his own machine shop, Burke Precision Metals, in Sheppton.

Thomas married the love of his life, Ann Marie Kephart, on January 26, 1961 at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, in Pottsville. She preceded him in death on January 26, 2006. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Clare Grow.

Tom was a member of St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Ringtown, the Ringtown Hunting Club, located in Cedar Run, PA, and a former Member & President of Ringtown’s Rotary International Club. He was a Board Member of the Miners National Bank in Shenandoah.

Their marriage was blessed with 6 children, Catharene, wife of Sam Garula, Duncannon; Erin, Plattsburgh, NY; Colleen, wife of Ed Lizewski, Catawissa; Joseph, Frackville; Tara, wife of Bob Roddy, Rosendale, NY; and Patricia, wife of Luke Lapotsky, Lavelle. He is also survived by his sisters, Margaret Ann Nyhart, Maryland and Patricia Hopper, wife of John, California.  He has 15 grandchildren: four great-granddaughters and four great-grandsons, nieces, and nephews.  His family carries on his love and memories.

Tom was an avid shooter and was a master marksman, as a part of his high school’s Shooting Team; he was a member of his College’s Aviation Club. Tom loved riding motorcycles & flying kites. Most recently he enjoyed having morning coffee with his friends at Ringtown’s coffee shop.

Friends are invited to attend and pay their respects to Thomas at  the Stauffer-Breznik Funeral Home, 412 West Main Street, Ringtown on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 8:30 to 10:30 AM.  A private mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Church in Ringtown, and Thomas will be laid to rest alongside his wife at St. Mary’s cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Ringtown Area Recreation Committee in Memory of Thomas.

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