The
Norbertine Community of Immaculate Conception Canonry in Middletown, DE marks
with sadness the passing of one of their most venerable and beloved members,
Rev. Walter Joseph Burke, O. Praem. Father Burke died on Pentecost, May 15,
2005 at age 86, after an illness of some months' duration.
Born
March 20, 1919 in Philadelphia, PA, son of the late Walter G. and Eva Burote
Burke, Father Burke was educated at St. Edmond's and St. Monica's parochial
schools and at Roman Catholic and Southeast Catholic high schools. He received
a baccalaureate degree from St. Norbert College, DePere, WI and was vested a
Norbertine at St. Joseph 's Shrine, St. Norbert Abbey, DePere, August 23,
1938. Father was solemnly professed in June 1943 and after theological
studies, was ordained a priest June 17, 1944 at the former locus of Immaculate
Conception Priory, Claymont, DE. He celebrated his first Mass of
Thaniksgiving at St. Monica Church in Philadelphia, PA. Father Burke was
assigned to the Southeast Catholic faculty and in addition to teaching Latin
and English, served as moderator of the football and basketball teams. He was
soon appointed athletic director, and to a generation of Catholic youth in
south Philadelphia , became priest, mentor, advisor and friend. He continued
his association with the Millay Club. In 1957, Father Burke was appointed
assistant pastor of St. Norbert Church, Paoli, PA. In August 1964, he
was named pastor and so generations in Chester County came to know his zeal
and concern. Father served as pastor until January 1997, at which time he was
named pastor emeritus by Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua. Father celebrated his
Golden Jubilee of ordination on Pentecost, May 22, 1994. Father Burke's
goodness and prayerfulness were a model to all. Rt. Rev. John M. Logan, O.
Praem, wrote that Father was remarkable for his generosity, loyalty and
steadfastness, but was most outstanding for his presence. Abbot Logan
wrote, "When Father Burke is with you, he is with you all the way in good
times or bad, in ups and downs, unswerving in his commitment."
Father
Burke is survived by the Immaculate Conception Community; his sister, Evelyn
Varacallo; sister-in-law, Margaret Burke; and brother-in-law, Leo McKelvey. He
is also survived by a niece; a nephew; 8 great nieces and nephews; and
great-great nieces, Evelyn Elizabeth Doran and Nicole Suzanne Viola. In
addition to his parents, Father was preceded in death by his brothers, Francis
and Bernard; and sisters, Clare and Dolores McKelvey.
