Thomas Patrick Burke, 82, passed away in the early morning hours of Wednesday, November 18, 2020. Thomas proudly served his county in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960. He was an active member of the Stock Car Clubs of America. When he began racing in his 50’s and it quickly became the center of his life. Thomas also enjoyed traveling and fishing. He was the founder and owner of Topaz Publication from its inception in 1981 until it closed in 2018. Thomas had many friends and he will be dearly missed by his family and friends..
Thomas is the son of the late Grace (Morgan) and William Joseph Burke. Thomas was born in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but he considered the Carolina’s his home.
Thomas leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Tonia (Monteiro) Burke and his daughters, Erin Kellem and her husband Dan, Courtney Zenzayer and her husband John and Annie Barkley and her husband Norm. Missing their grandfather are Jeremy Kellem, Johanna Zenzayer and Emily Kellem.
The family will have a celebration of Thomas’ life at a later date.
Fond memories of Thomas and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Thomas’ name to The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina, 500 Spratt Street B, Charlotte, NC 28206 or https://www.secondharvestmetrolina.org/donation.
The staff of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Burke family.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.9.5