Francis Edward Burke

Francis Edward Burke, ninety-five of Salem, NH passed away peacefully on Monday, November 6, 2023, surrounded by his seven children. He was married for 70 years to his beloved wife, the late Constance Margaret Winn. Born in Methuen, MA on July 8, 1928, Francis was the son of Agnes (Quinn) and Florence Burke.

Frank met his wife Constance while attending Central Catholic High School, in Lawrence, MA. He graduated in 1946 and furthered his education at St. Mary’s College in Oakland, CA until his father passed away in 1947. He returned home to run the family business, Dodge Grain Co. of Salem, NH and graduated from Providence College in 1951.

He married Constance in April 1952. He and Constance settled in Salem, NH in the fall of 1963. They had five sons and two daughters. A devoted husband, father, friend, and grandfather, Frank’s warmth, love, generosity and humor bound his family and friends together in an unbreakable bond. He took immense joy in watching the sports endeavors of his children and grandchildren. For 30 years, Frank held season tickets to the New England Patriots attending games with unwavering loyalty through victories and defeats. He was a man of great faith and a parishioner of St. Joseph’s Church for over 60 years.

Upon his retirement, he spent winters in North Palm Beach, Florida, where he traded the New England chill for rounds of golf and workouts at the Lost Tree Club. His sunny abode became a hub for family get- togethers, where his ever-expanding family gathered and made memories year after year.

In the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him, Frank's legacy is deeply engraved—a testament to a life well lived and the enduring strength of a patriarch's love. His elevated standards continue to shine as a guiding light for all who are a part of his cherished circle of family and friends.

He is survived by his 7 children, including Francis E. Burke, Jr., (Cindy) from Hampstead, NH; Susan Burke Byrne (James) from Olney, MD; Terence M. Burke (Melissa) from Andover, MA; Steven M. Burke (Kathleen) from North Hampton, NH; Matthew Q. Burke (Sharon) from Atkinson, NH; Anthony J. Burke (Paula) from Topsfield, MA; and Alison L. Burke from Manchester, NH. Frank is also survived by twenty-one grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his sister Claire Burke and is survived by his sister, Barbara Begley of North Hampton, NH.

Donations are requested in his memory to: Lazarus House Ministries, PO Box 408, Lawrence, MA 01842: https://lazarushouse.org/donate/

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a visiting period from 4:00–6:00 PM on Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at Goundrey Dewhirst Funeral Home, 42 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079.  A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 16 at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Church; 40 Main Street, Salem, NH 03079. Burial will be St. Mary-Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Lawrence, MA. To leave an online condolence, please visit Frank’s tribute page at www.goundreydewhirstfuneral.com.

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