Death date: Nov 9, 2013
Joseph Robert "Bob" Burke, age 80 of Smyrna, passed away November 9, 2013. Bob was a cherished and tireless member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Marie; was the loving fath Read Obituary
I enjoyed being a part of your family. I just stumbled on this but I remember your mom and dad and how they let me be part of the family back in the 70s. If I remember your mom worked at a jc penny's type store and dad worked as a CPA. I think Sean and I were altar boys and Tony Caruso lived on Manson Ave. I'm sure you all won't see this but if you do my email is [email protected] if you want to write. I miss you all. I loved your family so much.
My sincere condolence goes to the family and friends. May God continue to strengthen the family in their time of need.- John 5:28, 29.
Life without Bob Burke in the world??? Impossible to consider. People often say they want to make a difference in the world. Bob did. He didn't talk about his faith, he simply lived it. While those of us who remain here on earth feel a great loss, there is great rejoicing in Heaven as Bob reunites with his beloved Marie, my husband Phil, Fr. Paul Reynolds, and a multitude of family and friends gathered over the years. My family met the Burkes in 1974 and always considered them the truest and best examples of Christ-like action--always giving, not to "buy their way into Heaven" but out of a deep love and concern for others. Bob always had a smile and kind words for and about everyone he met. Rest in peace, my friend. You deserve it. And say "hi" to the gang! Love and prayers to the wonderful family he left. I know they will carry on his legacy of charitable living.
Dean Bas
Sincere condolences for your loss. May God comfort you and bring you peace through the loving promise of the resurrection.
Oh my. I just heard about this or I would have seen a lot of you this morning. What a great man. He made you WANT to be charitable. My condolences to three of his kids who I knew and admired: Kelly, Mike, and Pat. Your parents were the foundation at St. Thomas.
All I know is that EVERY time I saw Bob, he had a smile on his face, was warm and welcoming and you always felt better after just a few minutes in his gracious company!
He was a very good man, and the world does not have enough Bob's!
I had the privilege of working with Bob for 30 years at the Night Shelters. Then Bob had the idea that we should do more., so we started washing the feet of the homeless men on Wednesday nights. To Bob, these men weren't just strangers; he knew their names and their stories. I think only God could have chosen a man to do this work of charity. I'm going to miss him.
Another quick story: Several years, I had the honor of running the Peachtree Road Race alongside Bob. Our first year running together, at the first water stop, Bob started picking up all the paper cups other runners had discarded on the street. I told him he had to stop, there are 50,000 runners, and 50,000 cups, and they have a street sweeper coming behind us! He replied that he didn't want anyone to have to do any extra work. That's Bob!
On another note, we truly believe Bob is a saint. When our daughter became ill 20 years ago, we confided to Bob and Marie that her diagnosis was grim: we had been told that she was suffering from Schizophrenia. Without hesitation, they began to pray for her nightly, had several novenas said for her, and offered Masses for her healing. Today, she has become a miracle. She has gone back to school, receiving a Master's degree in counseling and is working full-time as a counselor at the University of West Georgia. We attribute her healing to the devout prayers of Bob and Marie and two other families, in addition to our own. We, like all of you, will miss Bob terribly, but rejoice knowing he is right where he belongs, in the arms of our Lord. Jim and Susan Walsh
I have few memories of Bob that I want to share. Several of the men of St. Thomas walk on the silver comet trail at different times. One day we all see a shopping cart that belongs to Walmart. We all just pass by it and leave it. The next day here comes Bob pushing the shopping cart. He is going to put it in the trunk of his car and take it back to Walmart. On another occasion I see Bob on the trail carrying a kroger plastic bag. I say Bob what have you got there. He said I just carry this bag and pick up any trash I see while I am walking. I wouldn't even have to mention his name, just tell the story, and everyone would say "OH that must be Bob"
My daughter and her family live next door to Bob. They are heartbroken, as am I. He was truly a very caring person and a wonderful neighbor.
He will be missed.
Nancy Ford
