Joseph L. Burke passed away at age 96 in Bradenton, FL. “Joe” was the first born, (April 25, 1930), of Joseph L. and Leona (Yeager) Burke in Scranton, PA. He had two sisters Leona (deceased) and Nancy (surviving). Joe grew up in a loving home during the Great Depression. He remembered his parents always giving to the poor.
During childhood, he played different sports, became a competent artist, and developed a love for music. At age18, Joe joined the Navy. He served and was honorably discharged. At 21 he met and married Mary R. (Graves) Burke. They had four sons, Joseph, Stephen, Michael, and Daniel, all surviving. They moved to Levittown, PA in 1955.
Joe became a computer programmer with GE and various companies over a 40+ year career. His love for music resulted in writing many songs including an animated musical, Elbo Elf. Joe continued to write songs into his late 80’s and early 90’s. In 1977, Joe wrote and had published, a letter to the NY Times Editor concerning the Bakke discrimination case. His point was that the best qualified, no matter race or age, be admitted to medical schools. I
n 1980, after helping with computer systems in different Florida colleges, Joe, Mary, and Daniel moved to Deland, Florida where he worked at Stetson University. Following Stetson, Joe worked and eventually settled in Tampa and then Bradenton. Joe enjoyed Bradenton and was proud to be a voter his whole life. He had a lifelong love for reading and had subscriptions to both the Bradenton and Sarasota newspapers.
In later life, Joe was married to Saralie Tyner, and they greatly enjoyed their years together. As he aged, his faith in Jesus Christ grew stronger and he routinely gave to different charities and the poor around Bradenton. Joe was a fan of women’s college basketball and the WNBA, with Caitlin Clark being his favorite player.
Joe had a number of friends who he visited and dined with over his last few years. He and his family would like to thank the nurses/workers from Tidewell Hospice who provided at-home care for him during his last life decade.
Joe had a memorial mass said for him in Bradenton on October 22, 2026. From Psalm 23, “Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me”.
