Joseph W. Burke

Mr. Joseph W. Burke, age 90, of Utica, passed away on Saturday May 17, 2014 at the Masonic Care Community.

He was born in Utica on June 28, 1923, a son of the late Norbert and Mary Novak Burke, and was a graduate of T.R.ProctorHigh School.

Joe proudly served his country in the US Navy during WWII.

On April 19, 1952, he was joined in marriage to Laura Ciaccia in St. Anthony's Church, a blessed union of 61 years, until her passing on November 25, 2013.

Joseph "Joe Burke" as he was affectionately known, was a dedicated Utica Police Officer at U.P.D. for over 43 years until his retirement. He also served on the N.Y.S. Criminal Parole Board, under N.Y.S. Gov. Mario Cuomo. He was a parishioner of St. Anthony/St. Agnes Church, a member of the Knights of St. John #385, and of the Utica P.B.A.

Surviving are his loving son and daughter-in-law, Joseph N. and Gina Burke of Utica; one loving daughter and son-in-law, Mariann and John Young of Marcy; five cherished grandchildren, Joseph, Matthew and Riya Burke, John and Michael Young; one brother-in-law, Tony Ciaccia of PA; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Eva Dylis, and two brothers, Anthony and Peter Burke.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday at 11:30 am in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, with the Rev. Mark Kaminski and Rev. Joseph Salerno officiating, with Military Honors conferred. Private interment will be in St. George'sCemetery, Whitesboro.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Scala & Roefaro Funeral Home, Inc. 1122 Culver Ave. The Knights of St. John # 385 will assemble on Monday evening at 6:30 pm at the funeral home.

The family would like to extend a special Thank You to the staff of the Brooklyn Unit at the Masonic Care Community for their care and compassion. Please omit flowers. In memory of Joe, please consider doing an act of kindness for someone.

Service

Tuesday, May 20 2014