Joseph W. Burke

Joe was born on March 22, 1951 to James and Catherine (McDonell) Burke in Yonkers, NY. He grew up on Frederic Street with his siblings Alice, Kathleen, James and Kevin. Joe continued to live on Frederic Street till his passing next door to his brother and friend James (Jimmy).

Joe attended Sacred Heart Grammar and High School. Soon after high school Joe married Nancy Semrai. They were dear companions and friends leaving a legacy of love and friendship. Nancy and Joe expanded their family with the birth of their children William (Billy), Scott and Heather. Joe and Nancy remained in Yonkers to raise their family. Joe was a proud member of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 94.

Joe lived a life as a loved Husband, Father, Pop, Brother, Uncle and Friend. He spent his time reading books, learning about Irish History, following the Yankees, watching the Giants and walking his dog Rosie along his beloved Hudson River. He enjoyed Sundays listening to Irish Music and having breakfast with his son Scott. He loved all music, especially classic rock and Van Morrison. His most treasured moments were spent spending time and being silly with his grandkids Michaela, Julia, Kennedy, Timmy and Dermot.

He was a man of few words but his kind spirit filled a room. Everyone who knew Joe knew that he was an extremely kind, loving, gentle and peaceful person, and that he loved his family very much. He is survived by his son William (Billy) and his wife Kelly of Yonkers, NY, son Scott and his wife Nuraini of Yonkers and daughter Heather and husband Tim Coffey of Rye, NY, as well as his grandchildren Michaela, Julia, Kennedy, Timmy, Dermot and Adam. Joe also leaves behind a sister Alice Guthrie and a brother James Burke. He also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. He will forever be in their hearts and missed very much everyday.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife Nancy, brother Kevin Burke and sister Kathleen Flynn.

Joe lived his life by a simple phrase of Easy Does It. He was easy to be with, easy to love and easy to have as a friend and family member. He kept life simple and strived for progress rather than perfection in all his affairs. His life was one of service to his family, his friends and God.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to St. Christopher’s Inn at Graymoor in Garrison, NY, https://stchristophersinn-graymoor.org.

A visitation for Joseph will be held Wednesday, December 22, 2021 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A mass of christian burial will occur Thursday, December 23, 2021 from 10:45 AM to 11:30 AM at Sacred Heart Church, 110 Shonnard Place, Yonkers, NY 10703. A private cremation will occur.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.whalenandballfh.com for the Burke family.