John W. Burke
John William Burke, 67, passed-away Tuesday, November 24 after a brief, yet brave battle with glioblastoma. John was the beloved husband of Kathy for 41 wonderful years. Loving father of the late Colleen, Denny (Sarah), Maureen (Tom) and Meghan. Cherished “Pops” to his three grandchildren: Erin, Conor, and Grace. Dear brother to Jim, Tim (Patti) and Susie. A fond uncle, cousin, in-law, and friend to many.
John grew up in Chicago’s Beverly neighborhood and attended Brother Rice High School (Class of 1971). He was a member of the cross country team. In 1970, he participated in a canoe trip at the Boundary Waters and met Kathy. The two started dating shortly thereafter. John studied architecture at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for his undergraduate and graduate studies. While in college, John studied abroad for a year in Versailles, France. It was during this time that his love of travel flourished. John planned vacations with family and friends across the globe, from Iceland and Italy to Seattle and San Francisco. However, Paris always held a special place in his heart, and he always included Paris in a trip itinerary when visiting Europe.
A joyful man, John was able to make any situation fun. He had a knack for storytelling, sharing jokes, and making others smile. A lover of music, John enjoyed attending concerts and music festivals. His favorite tunes from The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, and String Cheese Incident were often played at family gatherings and dance parties. He stayed active in every season. In winter, John was an avid skier and ice skater. During warm months, he was a loyal beachgoer and gardener.
John had an accomplished career as an architect and building project manager. He helped shape the skyline of Chicago by overseeing construction of the Franklin Building (formerly AT&T Building) and Sofitel Hotel. He also worked on projects in the Chicago suburbs, Denver, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Salt Lake City.
John was an active member in his community: an AYSO soccer coach and referee, member of St. John of the Cross New Hope Connection, and a former St. John of the Cross- Parish Council President.
He is greatly missed.
Family and friends are invited to meet directly at St. John of the Cross Church, 5005 Wolf Rd., Western Springs, IL 60558 on Tuesday, December 1st for 11:00am Mass. Group limit of 160 and social distancing guidelines in place. All friends and family must pre-register for Mass at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D4DA9AB2CA6FECE9-john1. Please arrive a few minutes early to check in and be seated. Masks required.
Interment private.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Brain Tumor Association at abta.org.
For Service Info: 708-352-6500
John you are such a good guy! You were always so much fun at our family get togethers. We will miss you so much!
Johnny was one of the good guys. He was full of life and laughter. He will be deeply missed. We love him and our hearts go out to Kathy and his family. Love and I hope real soon hugs to all. Bill and Ann
Oh, Johnny, you are gone from this earth way, way too soon. I have such great memories of your joyful presence at family gatherings, Ravinia concerts, our family ski trip to Keystone, graduation parties and weddings. You will be sorely missed.❤️
We are going to miss you John, but we will hold tight to the many wonderful memories.
Kathy and family:
Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved husband, John. We send our most sincere condolences to you and to your wonderful family.
God Bless you all!
Bob ( you can, and probably will, call me “Bobby”) and Michelle Tarnowski
Dear Kathy and family, I was so saddened to hear about John’s passing. He was such a great guy. Always with that contagious smile, so helpful and kind, and such a positive person. He will truly be missed. Keeping you and all the Burkes in my thoughts during this difficult time.
Love, Diane(Phil) Gavin
I will miss you Cousin John, you were 10 years older than me and gave me my 1st bike when I was 8. Then when I was 16, I had my 1st beer at your wedding. Good Times! I will keep you in my prayers. Rest In Peace.
Kathy and Family,
So sorry to hear about John. He was a very special person that always had a smile on his face and love in his heart. He always light up a room when he entered. We had great times and memories from the projects we worked on.
Prayers for the whole Burke family!
Wayne and I were so sad to learn of Jon’s passing, and offer our prayers and condolences to you and your family, Kathy. We would have liked to know him better!
Kathy and the Burke family .
So sorry for your loss. Sending love and prayers to give you strength during this time…God bless you and all your family.
Love ,
Marcy Dignan
Dear Kathy,
Julie Wines just informed me of John’s passing. I haven’t seen you & John since college days, but have great memories of you. John was such a nice guy. I still have pictures of the group on Thanksgiving at your house on Green Street. Take solace in your friends and family at your time of mourning. Remember
“When Time, who steals our years away,
Shall steal our pleasures too,
And memory of the past will stay,
And half our joys renew.”
With sincere condolences,
Dear Kathy,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of John’s Passing. My deepest condolences to you and your family. John and I worked closely together at Arcadis for a number of years and skied together with a group at Snowbasin. John was a great guy who enjoyed whatever he was doing. He loved talking about his family and was always excited about the next family ski trip. We both had sons making their way in Seattle and enjoyed sharing stories about their struggles. I know John was very proud of his family and was a devoted husband. He traveled a lot for work in those days which was not easy for you all but he made the best of it.
He will be missed and my thoughts are with you and your family in this difficult time.
Barry Quinn