John Burke

Millinocket – John J. “Rusty” Burke, 93, died Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at a Lincoln health care facility. He was born January 4, 1923 in Millinocket, the son of William P. and Anna Mary (Thebeau) Burke. John was a graduate of Stearns High School, class of 1940. He was a veteran of World War II, serving in Egypt. John worked 42 years for the Great Northern Paper Company in the Stores Department and retired in 1983. John enjoyed playing tennis and was an avid reader before his eyesight failed. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and a communicant of St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church. John is survived by his niece, Susan York and her husband Arthur; nephews William Burke, III and his wife Susan, and Wayne Burke and his wife Tamara; two special cousins, Kay Pooler and Fred Hunter; and good friends and caregivers Delores and Joe Gagliardi. He was predeceased by his brothers, William P. Burke, Jr., Gerald M. Burke, Sr., and a sister Patricia M. Burke. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the Nurses and Staff at Colonial Healthcare for the wonderful care John received. Friends are invited to visit with the family 9:30 – 10:30 A.M. Thursday, January 5 at the Lamson Funeral Home, 11 Tamarack Street, Millinocket. A Mass of Christian Burial will then be celebrated 11 A.M. at Christ the Divine Mercy Parish, St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church, 19 Colby Street, Millinocket with the Rev. Bruce Siket, pastor, presider. Spring interment, with military honors, will be at the Millinocket Cemetery. Gifts in memory of Rusty may be sent to the Katahdin Area Support Group, P.O. Box 374, Millinocket, ME 04462.