Attorney Thomas J. Burke's Obituary
Attorney Thomas J. Burke, 80, of Salisbury MA passed away suddenly and peacefully from complications related to Covid-19 on Tuesday, December 29, 2020.
Tom was born on May 24, 1940 in Lawrence, MA to Isobel A. Burke (Burke) and Thomas J. Burke, Jr. Born and raised in the City of Lawrence, he attended St Lawrence O’Toole Grammar School, Augustine Academy in Staten Island, NY. He obtained a bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate from Suffolk University.
Tom served as the Register of Deeds of Northern Essex for 35 years, began his legal career at the MA Attorney General’s office, and was an active practicing attorney with the Hyatt & Hyatt law firm. In addition, he served as Chairman of the Board of RiverBank (formerly Lawrence Savings Bank). He also served as President of Lawrence Bar Association and President of the Massachusetts Registers and Assistant Registers Association. Tom was active with the Men’s Guild of Bon Secours and the Men’s Guild of Merrimack College. He was involved with many organizations such as The Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, Dewey Club, Concordia Social Club, Elks and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
Tom is survived by his wife of 55 years, Evelyn A. Burke, RNBSN; his two daughters Kelley P. Sullivan and her husband Tim of Haverhill, MA and Attorney Bridget K. Burke of Bedminster, NJ; his four grandchildren- Michael Sullivan and his wife Melissa, Tommy Sullivan, Ana Kevorkian and Tara Kevorkian; his twin sister Elizabeth Wells of North Chelmsford and brother, David J. Burke and his wife Kathy Burke of Methuen; aunt, Lana Sholik of Salem, NH and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Tom was loved and respected by all he knew. He had many great friendships throughout his life in the Merrimack Valley, Salisbury Beach and Indian Shores/Rocks Beach, FL. He treated his friends as family. He was often sought out for advice and counsel and was always willing to help. Tom was a brilliant lawyer, loving husband, amazing father and grandfather, devoted brother and loyal friend. He was an ardent fan of the Red Sox and the Patriots and loved going to watch both teams with his family. He always had a kind word, a hearty laugh and a hug that could cure all your troubles. It is hard to imagine a world without Tommy Burke and he will be greatly missed.
Special thank you to the nurses and doctors at The Anna Jacques Hospital and especially Dr. Ghandi for the unbelievable quality of care and comfort to the family.
Family and friends will honor and celebrate Tom's life by gathering for his calling hours from 9:30-11 AM on Friday, June 25, 2021 at Star of the Sea Chapel, 140 North End BLVD, Salisbury, MA. His Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM at the church. Guests are kindly asked to meet directly at the church.
Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence, 136 Water Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 or a charity of your choice. To send an online condolence to Tom’s family, please visit www.pollardfuneralhome.com. The Kenneth H. Pollard Funeral Home, 233 Lawrence Street, Methuen is honored to serve the Burke family.
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