William A. Burke

William A. Burke, 88, of Manchester formerly of Westbrook, husband of the late Lorraine Burke died peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2014 at Manchester Memorial Hospital. Mr. Burke was born on March 13, 1926 in Hartford son of the late Allie and Mabel Burke. He was raised in Manchester, attended local schools and had resided most of his life in Manchester before moving to Westbrook after his retirement. He was a veteran of WW II serving aboard the USS Birgit in the US Navy. Mr. Burke was employed for over 30 years with S.N.E.T. He began as a lineman, became a foreman and retired in 1981 having earned the position of cable manager. He was an avid and talented woodworker and he enjoyed working outdoors and puttering around his yard. Mr. Burke is survived by his two daughters; Beverly Downing and her husband, George of Manchester and Laurie Bentley of San Antonio, TX, five loving grandchildren; Scott Downing and his wife, Pamela of Auburn, WA, Benjamin Downing and his wife, Danyael of Cheshire, Sara Beggans and her husband, John of Wellesley, MA, Julie McCormack and her husband Michael of Darien and Seth Gilistro of San Antonio, TX, eleven great-grandchildren, his two sisters-in-law; Patricia Burke of Manchester and Pearl Sypher of Windham, three nieces and a nephew. In addition to his wife and parents Mr. Burke was predeceased by his daughter, Maureen Burke, his brother, Norman Burke, a sister, Beatrice DuPont, his step-father, Paul Quish and two brothers-in-law, Arthur DuPont and LeRoy Sypher. Funeral services and burial will be private. There are no calling hours. Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. Holmes Funeral Home, Manchester has care of the arrangements. To leave an online condolence please visit www.holmes-watkinsfuneralhomes.com