Robert J. Burke
July 12, 2023

Robert J. Burke, 92, of Dunmore, died at home Wednesday evening after a recent illness.  

Born in Dunmore, son of the late Andrew A. and Helen Turock Burke, he was a graduate of Dunmore High School Class of 1948 and went on to earn his master’s degree from the University of Scranton. He was a retired Personnel Director at the University of Scranton for 35 years, retiring in 1997.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, stationed on Johnston Island in the Pacific and was awarded the Korean Service Medal for his military duty.  

Bob was an avid hunter, fisherman, and loved the outdoors, especially canoeing on the Susquehanna River.  He was a charter member of the Audubon Society in Scranton.  He made several trips to Alaska panning for gold, and many other trips canoeing in Canada.  He even ran a half marathon at the age of 80.  He is survived by a sister, Ruth Brown and husband Clair of Wilmington, NC; a brother Andrew M. Burke of Tunkhannock; his partner Joan Hrycow of West Scranton; seven nieces, one nephew, as well as several cousins.  

He was preceded in death by his wife of 42 years, Grace Amico Burke, who died in 2014; two sisters, Ann Burke of Dickson City and Elizabeth Burke Wanagaitis of Far Rockaway, NY.

A brief viewing will be held Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. until noon at the Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc., 318 E. Drinker St., Dunmore, with a blessing service at noon.

Burial will follow in the family plot of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Dunmore.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made in Robert’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN, 38105.To offer a condolence, visit www.DunmoreFuneralHome.com.