Obituary of Robert Burke

Robert J. Burke Robert J. Burke, age 79, of Millcreek Twp., died Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at UPMC Hamot. He was born in Erie on September 2, 1931, the son of the late, James H. and Marion Laver Burke. He was a 1949 graduate of Cathedral Prep and worked at the family business; Laver's Florist at 6th and Hess. He served in the US Air Force from 1949-1954 with Truman's "Police Action". Robert was a hospital engineer in Germany; buying equipment on the Germany economy. He worked on developing the Iron Lung. He was further educated at St. Louis Medical and finished a 4 year education in 44 weeks. In 1954, he was hired at the American Sterilizer and later worked at Wilmont Castle in Rochester, NY, then in Amsterdam; working with x-ray equipment and Westbury Long Island for Corefund Dynamics; putting AT&T underground cable across the country, he also worked at nine missile sites in N. and S. Dakota and NE. He was employed at Perry Ohio, Chicago, and 3 Mile Island Nuclear Plants. His last place of employment was at the Zukor Club as a cook. He was a member of VFW Legion Post # 571 in Wesleyville and the Zukor Club. His talents as a floral designer included designing special bridal bouquets for family members. He loved to socialize with his many friends over a beer. He was a kind and generous man and was always willing to help a friend in need. He was a devoted and loving husband and has missed his wife, Lily "Nana" E. Harriger Burke since her passing in 2002. He is survived by two daughters, Carol DiBello, Rene DiBello Menc (Rick) both of Erie, four grandchildren: Lisa Addesa (Anthony), Jeff Michel (Amber), Brandon and Ashley Menc, and two great-granddaughters, Maddison Michel and Olivia Addesa. Friends may call at the Dusckas-Martin Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 4216 Sterrettania Rd. on Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Private interment. Memorial contributions may be made to the Anna Shelter, 1555 East 10th Street, Erie, PA 16511. Enhance your memorial with a slideshow and video