Thomas F. Burke

Thomas Francis Burke, Jr., 78, died on March 24, 2015, with family by his side. Born in Chicago in 1936 to Mary Ann and Thomas F., Sr., Tom made an impression from the start. As a twelve-pound baby boy, legend has it that “Little Tommy” rode his trike home from the hospital. Tom graduated from St. Mary’s College (Winona) in 1960 and earned a Master’s degree in Student Personnel Administration from Michigan State University a year later. He married the love of his life, Barbara, in 1961. Midwestern transplants, they spent 37 years in San Diego, where Tom admirably and lovingly served as the University of San Diego’s Vice-President for Student Affairs. Integrity, dry wit, and wisdom marked Tom’s professional and personal life. A Catholic Irishman, he was a man of deep and lived faith. Much beloved husband, father, and grandfather, he is survived by his wife, Barbara; four children—Patrick, of Las Vegas; Jack [Miriam], of San Diego; Christie Babcock [Paul], of Frankfort, IL; Bridget Burke Ravizza [John], of Green Bay, WI; and eleven grandchildren, who brought him great joy. He is also survived by two sisters, Mary Justo and Patricia Malone, as well as countless nieces and nephews. The Burke family thanks the many people at United Hospital in St. Paul who attentively and compassionately cared for Tom (and us) in his final days. Mass of the Resurrection, presided by Tom’s dear friend Rev. J.J. O’Leary, S.J., will take place at Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish at 10:30am, Friday, March 27, in Hastings, MN. Visitation begins at 9:30. God bless.