Joseph William Burke

He was born in Bridgeport on October 7, 1957 to Harmen and Mary (Haynes) Burke.

Joe attended the Ana Baum Skane school, and the Kennedy Center and was appointed as a Eucharistic minister by the late Bishop Curtis. He moved to Litchfield in 1982 and was active in the Special Olympics where he excelled at skiing, biking, swimming and softball. He loved bowling and making jokes!

Joe worked as a dishwasher at the Litchfield Country Club and lived independently for many years in Torrington, making many friends along the way. One of the highlights at the country club was meeting Mickey Mantle.

Joe was a fan of the New York Mets, UCONN basketball, country music, Dunkin Donuts and Nascar and was able to attend numerous concerts, games and races. Joseph also had great memories of vacationing to Vermont as a child to visit family.

Joe is survived by his brothers Edward (Shelley), John (Angie) and sister Clare Biagioni (Louis), his beloved niece Nicole Lupo (Anthony)and his great nieces, Adriana and Isabella Lupo who were the light of his life, and his nephews Jonathan, Benjamin, Matthew, and Michael. He’s also survived by numerous cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents, Mary Haynes Burke, and Harmen P. Burke and his brother, Peter Burke.

Special thanks and gratitude to Stuart Gero and Brian Lynch for loving Joe and being “his people” during his life.

Family and friends are invited to visitation Tuesday, March 14, 5-8pm at Spadaccino & Leo P. Gallagher Community Funeral Home, 315 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. Mass of Christian Burial , March 15 at 11 AM at St. Jude Parish, 707 Monroe Turnpike, Monroe. Interment to immediately follow at St. Michael Cemetery, 2205 Stratford Ave., Stratford. For visitation, you are encouraged to wear his favorite color green or your favorite team gear!

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation in Joe’s honor to Ability Beyond Disability. The love & care he received from his Dodgingtown & Saw Mill family over the past years is unmatched and we are forever grateful.

Please share your favorite memories of Uncle Joe.