Just found out albeit late, I'd like to add a few words about John's life as an educator.
I am a retired New York City educator who was a Title I reading teacher during the few years I worked in a non-Public School venue.  I was assigned to John's school as the Title I Reading Teacher. 
I found  John to be a focused administrator always for the good of his school echoed by his wife Elizabeth in sharing the same mission of a good education, a Catholic theme to hopefully be followed for life by his students. 
As a Jew, I learned more about Catholicism through John and his generous invitations to his home on holidays. I never shall forget meeting the Cardinal and felt humbled to be in his presence at. St. Thomas Aquinas as he visited this humble Bronx neighborhood where His Eminence was born.
John, here is hope you rest in peace ,
Dr. Lloyd Reife

My deepest condolences to the Burke family. I will forever regret not returning to STA and thanking this wonderful principal for being so instrumental in shaping my life.
 Thank you Mr. Burke for believing in me and helping me believe in myself. ❤️

John was, and still is, my brother in faith.  I pray not for him, but TO him, as one who has won his crown as a great witness to his faith, with the hope that he will inspire us, because of his example, to become faithful servants of God as well.  Thank you, John.
Sammy

John and I entered Tarrytown on the same day in 1955.  I always was impressed with his humility and competitive spirit.  When he was assigned to Ascension, his leadership and creativity surfaced to the benefit of the school.  His love of education and his students propelled both himself and his students into a higher realm.  My image of him is of a beatific smile while marching with his band in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pearl River.  That image underscores his personality, his pride in Irish heritage and his determination to do whatever he could for his students.  May he rest in peace.

I was in the sixth grade when Mr Burke arrived at STA, and the following year he became principal.  He always wanted us to do better and be better. I always remember those boxing gloves in his office for the boys! LOL. Thank you for loving St. Thomas Aquinas with such devotion and passion. My prayers and condolences to the family . Rest in peace Mr. Burke. 
Class of 1972. 

I was a student at St. Thomas Aquinas in the Bronx when Mr. Burke first arrived when I was in 7th grade.  He became the principal the next year.
I remember him spending a lot of time with me, preparing for the district spelling bee.
He was always very kind and attentive.  I've thought of him often over the years, always with fond memories.  Rest in peace -  Dan Mahoney

Mr. Burke was a great man and greatly supported his son John. Mr. Burke was always in the crowds of many as I was coached under his son (the best coach) playing on the woman's basketball team at Dominican College. Great memories to cherish. I had many pep talks with Mr. Burke, man of great wisdom. Mr. Burke will be truly missed. The Burgess family will be praying for the Burke's strength & We love you! God bless! 

I attended St.Thomas back in the 80s and I remember having such great admiration mixed with fear of this gentle giant.
He use to say he had a spanking machine down in the school basement and I was so fearful of this lol
I think a lot of my classmates and school alone did well because they feared this was true.
He was an amazing soul.
God bless his soul and bless his family always..
“Golden Eagles” forever..

Where do I begin.  John Burke, my brother-in-law, my "brother", my friend.  John has been an integral part of our family for more than 50 years.  His love for his God (He always came first), his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his sister and her family, and all of us on the Browne side of his family, and, of course, his Irish heritage was beyond grand.  He was passionate about Catholic education and he gave his students his "all" as their principal at St. Thomas Aquinas School,  (another of his great loves). May he rest in eternal peace now with the angels and his beloved daughter, Michelle.  Will miss you terribly.    

First and foremost my condolences to the Burke family. Mr. Burke was a kind and loving man. I can say with certainty that his love was the children and all he did to make S. T. A. a school where the children were given the opportunity to be the best. He was always present and the children appreciated it. Though it has been a while since we've seen you and your amazing wife, I have from time to time had you and your family in my thoughts, you can now rest peacefully, heaven just gained another angel! 🙏🙏

My love and prayers to the Burke Family. Mr. Burke exemplified Godly Character throughout his time with STA. His sacrifices  for our school, the neighborhood and the families that surrounded it, will never be forgotten. The  Angels most definitely celebrate  his arrival to eternity.  May his Legacy comfort all who knew and loved him.  Class of 1990 band geek and proud of it.  Thank you for your  influence Mr. John J. Burke. 

Our deepest condolences to the Burke family.   Mr. Burke was a great principal who took pride in his role as a leader.  We enjoyed taking part in his Halloween costume competition, playing sports and being part of the band.  Heaven has gained another angel. RIP Mr. Burke and thank you for the wonderful memories. 
In our prayers,
The Ruiz family.  Class of 73, 75 and 79

My deepest condolences and prayers to Mrs. Burke and family. Mrs. Burke, I will always be grateful for your husband’s impact on my academic foundation at St. Thomas Aquinas. He instilled excellence, discipline and pride in his students. We were a community where children were given a chance to succeed in life and want more. I have great memories of the band and marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. I remember being pushed out of my comfort zone and participating in spelling bees and the talent show. I still have my bronze metal from the CYO Talent Show where I won the bronze metal for playing the piano. I don’t know if you remember us, the Pastorek family. I belonged to the class of 1977. My mother, Violeta Pastorek, was always volunteering at the school. She always had my little sister, Katherine, in tow who loved playing with Michelle. My parents, Violeta & Oldrich, my brother Adolf, my sister Katherine and I wish you peace in knowing that we will see our loved ones again. Thank goodness for our faith. Rest In Peace, Mr. Burke. You will always be remembered.❤️

Sent from my iPhone

The Lord has welcomed home a fierce leader, I meet John J Burke when I was in the 3rd grade he fathered all of us in that time period. My most fond memory of him was his joy conducting the band and seeing his son coach basketball teams at STA. Thank you Mr.Burke for introducing the Lord into my life at a early age, the seed you planted has grown me into a minister, you were always faithful to the Lord Christ Jesus. 
Until we meet again, Shalom.
Love,
The Paris Family 🙏

A tearful goodbye to Mr Burke who was a great principal. He took pride in his St Thomas Aquinas and all of the students in it.   It felt like we knew him personally too as he would often  speak to my mother with familiarity, not just about her children’s progress in school.  We were his kids ....a very strict father to us all he was, but we learned so much from it !   
His  children were often at the school even before they were of School age.  They would just romp around; playing will us all. It felt like one big happy family , not necessarily a principal to student relationship.   Many felt that way. I know My class cohorts will feel the same way !   My mom and brother will also feel sad to hear the news 
Prayers go out to the family today and everyday!!!!    Rest In Peace My dear sweet principal!!! 
Class of ‘70

My deepest condolences to the Burke family. I graduated from STA in 1998. I will always fondly remember all those lunch hours prepping for the spelling bee.  

I am eternally grateful to Mr. Burke for believing in my potential as a young scholar.  He was one of the ones who truly cared. 

Wow what an awesome man he was. Mr.Burke was a tough principle . I remember those hard band practices we had. He wanted us to be the best so he would make us practice until we were great. He was a person I admired so much. Through out my years in elementary school I remember being scared of going to his office but now as an adult I know why he made us fear him and it was because he knew that us fearing him would make us great students. This man deserves all the awards he can get because I know he changed many lives in STA. You will be missed Mr. Burke. 

Ah, a soul is soaring...sending deepest, heartfelt sympathy to all....not easy to find words....as a new teacher I was blessed to have his guidance--both academic and spiritual--I am so thankful for the experiences and many fond memories at STA and for the friendship we shared---Mr. Burke---Administrator, Teacher, Friend...One in a million.

Always in my thoughts and prayers and in my heart....wishing you peace

When I talk about my childhood it always includes my STA days. All I have are good memories from all the years of being there. Band was always my favorite.  I graduated in 98 and to this day I will speak highly of my education from STA. Thank you for being apart of my wonderful years there. May you Rest In Peace Mr. Burke . Fly with the Golden Eagles, you will always be missed. 

OBITUARY

John J. Burke

September 19, 1937 – March 20, 2018

Becker Funeral Home

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