Thomas J. Burke

Thomas J. Burke, 86, of Madison passed away peacefully on March 17, 2023 at the Connecticut Hospice in Branford. Born on July 2, 1936, in Pleasantville, NY, Thomas was the son of the late John Francis Burke and Julia (Downing) Burke. He was raised in Pleasantville and graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Katonah, NY in 1954. He went on to Iona College, earning a Bachelor’s degree and then to the University of Bridgeport, earning his Masters of Business Administration. He worked as a marketing executive at a variety of companies including Hamilton Beach, Waring, and Cadco Ltd. During this time, he traveled, and was proud to have visited all fifty states and several countries in Europe. A history buff, he enjoyed visiting many museums and historical sites.

Thomas married the love of his life, Suzanne (Stone) Burke, on September 8, 1962. They shared 60 long and happy years together, raising their family and building a loving home.

Above all else, Tom’s greatest joy was his family, those he held closest to his heart. As well as his parents, Tom is predeceased by his sister, Liz Sherman (Jack). He is survived by sisters Julie Madsen (Bob) of Vero Beach, FL, and Patricia Brebbia (John) of Las Vegas, NV.

Tom will be greatly missed by his wife, Suzanne, and by his children Jennifer Murphy (Thomas) of Holland, PA, Julie Coogan (Robert) of Middlefield, CT, and Jon Burke (Yvette) of Ballwin, MO. He is survived by his loving grandchildren, Kate Murphy Citro (Louis), Tara Murphy (Bobby Meyer), Dan Murphy, Erin Murphy, Abbey and Colleen Coogan, and Stone and Royce Burke, as well as his great grandchildren Michael, Mackenzie and Louis Citro.

Calling Hours will be held on Friday, March 31, from 5pm until 7pm at Swan Funeral Home, located at 825 Boston Post Road, Madison. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, April 1, at 11am at St. Margaret Catholic Church, located at 24 Academy Street, Madison. Burial will follow at West Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Thomas’ name to The Connecticut Hospice, 100 Double Beach Road, Branford, CT, 06405, or rideclosertofree.org to benefit Smilow Cancer Hospital, or a charity of your choice.