Joseph A. Burke, Sr

Joseph A Burke Sr. departed this world at age 92 on March 25,2026, surrounded by family and loved ones at Samaritan Hospital in Troy NY.

Joseph was born on December 20,1933 in Faith South Dakota. He was the second of five children born to John and Nellie Burke. He spent his early childhood living on a family farm near Webster SD among various other places in the state. He attended a seminary in the early 1950’s but decided he was not meant for that lifestyle and joined the US Navy after high school graduation in 1953. He returned to a short-lived civilian life in 1957 after which he re-enlisted in the Seabees from 1958 to 1962.While in the service he met the love of his life Gail Pitcher a lifelong resident of Troy. They were married on September 3,1960 at Saint Patrick’s in Troy where he has resided for the last 65 years. Joe and Gail had one son Joesph Burke II who also lives in Troy. After his military service he held jobs in construction and at Passonno Paint before retiring from his second career at GE in Waterford after 25 years. Joseph was a member of Our Lady of Victory Church as well as being a member of the Knights of Columbus. Among other things he enjoyed country music and traveling across country with his family in his RV.

He is survived by his son Joseph Burke II, sister Delia Reagan, brother Thomas Burke, sister-in-law Val Drouillard and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Gail Burke and two sisters Dencie Burke and Dorothy Clark.

Family and friends are invited and may call on Tuesday March 31 from 4 to 7 pm at Wynantskill Funeral Home, 294 Whiteview Road, Wynantskill. A Christian mass will be celebrated at 10:30 am on Wednesday April 1, 2026 at Our Lady of Victory Church 55 North Lake Avenue, Troy. Burial with military honors will follow at Eagle Mills Cemetery. A gathering will be held at Green Island American legion after the cemetery.

Flowers may be sent to the funeral home however in lieu of flowers please make a donation to Rensselaer County Medical Transportation Service for Seniors.

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