Thomas Burke

Son of the late Patrick and Mary Burke, born in Munhall, PA on February 16, 1928, and blessed with one late sister Theresa, and five late brothers, Charlie, Herman” Hammer”, Jack, Patrick, and Martin Burke along with the love of his life, the late Jeanette Bekich. Tom is survived with his adopted family of the employees and volunteers of Tri Boro Federal Credit Union, Fireman and Volunteers at the Munhall Volunteer Fire Department, local residents and all involved in all areas of the Munhall Police and Borough departments. 

Tom was a life-long Munhall resident before spending the last several years living at The Residence of Whitehall. He was a graduate of Munhall High School, served our country with honor as a Veteran and distinction as a Private First Class in the 10th Infantry Division of the United States Army. He was a Senior Vice Commander of the committee responsible for organizing and maintaining the Memorial Day events at the Homestead Cemetery, a volunteer at the Aspinwall Veterans Hospital. An expeditor in transportation for the United States Steel, Homestead Works, until his retirement in 1986. After retiring, Tom spent much of his time completing volunteer work on the Supervisory Committee of Tri Boro Federal Credit Union while holding positions of Supervisory Chairman, and a Seat on the Board of Directors. Although a volunteer, he maintained a full-time effort and was continually recognized as the most active, resolute, and loyal member. He joined the Franklin Volunteer Fire Department in August 1960, served as a Trustee for many years and remained active with the Munhall Central Volunteer Fire and Rescue, Inc until recently. He was active in the Munhall Community, he served on the Munhall Planning and Zoning Boards for many years holding positions such as Chair and Vice Chair, he was named Volunteer of the Year by the Steel Valley Chamber of Commerce in 2008. He maintained a strong Catholic Faith attending church services and praying the Rosary daily as a life-long parishioner and long-term Usher at the Saint Therese Church of Munhall. 

Tom was recognized and honored by the Pennsylvania Senate as an outstanding citizen who exemplified the finest virtues of American life, while receiving recognition from the borough of Munhall and Munhall Volunteer # 3 Fire Department for 58 years of dedicated service. 

Many say that Tom could of and should have run to be the elected Mayor of Munhall, but he preferred to be the “doer” behind the scenes out of the limelight. He would say that he did not care for any standard of what he called as “self-importance” and preferred helping others achieve appropriate political and employment positions along with helping them through challenging times in their own lives. He was one of kind, he will be missed by those closest to him recognizing the voids his loss will leave behind with all that he participated in. 

Family and friends received on Tuesday from 4 - 7pm at the George Irvin Green Funeral Home, Inc., 3511 Main St. Munhall, 15120.   Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday at 10am at St Thomas the Apostle Parish (St. Therese Worship Site).  Burial will be in St. Mary Magdalene Cemetery with Military Honors.    

Please share your memories and condolences at georgeigreenfunealhome.com

Rest is peace Tom with God’s Blessing!