John T. Burke

John T. Burke (Jack), age 92, of Bethlehem died on November 28, 2022. He was the husband of Patricia (Rogan) Burke to whom he was married for 68 years. Born in Wilkes Barre, PA on June 16, 1930, he was the son of the late John P. and Kathleen (Mulhearn) Burke. He was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend.

A 1948 Liberty High School graduate, John (better known as Jack) attended Moravian College after completing four years in the U.S. Air Force Special Intelligence. While at Moravian, he was president of the Moravian College Veterans Association and later became Moravian's Alumni Association president. Jack received his BA from Moravian in 1956 and his master's degree from Lehigh University in 1958. In 1956 he began his thirty-seven year career with the

Bethlehem Area School District where he served as a teacher, curriculum specialist, elementary principal, and acting assistant superintendent. He was an Elementary Principal at Governor Wolf, William Penn, Asa Packer and Hanover Elementary Schools.

Jack championed education as he served in many leadership positions. He was chairman of the PSEA Department of Administration and Supervision and past president of the following: the Bethlehem Education Association, the Northampton County Educators, the NEA Teachers Rights Committee, and the Northampton County PSEA. He was also vice chairman of the Middle States Association Commission, member of the PSEA Board of Directors, member of the PSEA Intergroup Relations Committee; and chairman of various Middle States Association Elementary School evaluation teams throughout Pennsylvania, New York, and Puerto Rico.

On behalf of the BEA, Jack accepted the National Education Award for developing a method of promoting harmony between teacher, school board, and administrators. Additional awards have included PSEA Award for Promoting Harmony in the Public School System over the Years, the 250th Anniversary Committee's Bethlehem Star for dedication to children and their families, the Lehigh Valley Business/Education Partnership Distinguished Recognition Award, and the Northampton County Council of Educator's Friend of Education Award. In 1984, he received the Moravian College Alumni Association Medallion of Merit. In 2001, the Association presented him with the first Benigna Education Award for outstanding contributions in the field of education.

In addition to his educational involvements, Jack was a member of the Bethlehem Democratic Committee where he served as Chairman for many years. He was past President of the Lake Mineola Homeowners Association where his family had a summer home. He served on the Pembroke Clearfield Village Reunion Committees. In his retirement years, he helped with the Cops 'n' Kids Reading Program. In 2011, he received the Intergenerational Award from Northampton County Area Agency on Aging.

Jack served as the Moravian Village Retirement Community Apartment Residents President. Along with other Moravian Village volunteers, he was a joy reader working with children at Thomas Jefferson School. Jack enjoying living at Moravian Village and felt he was very fortunate to live there.

Survivors: Along with his wife, Pat, are three sons John (Mary Jane) of San Antonio, TX, Patrick (Barbara) of Wyncote, PA, and Daniel (Annette) of Marlton, NJ; Grandchildren, Patti, Sean (Amanda), Francisco, Erin, Thomas, Danny, Jenna (Nick); Great-Grandchildren, Erica, Evan, Bay, JJ, Caius, and Danielle; and Brother, Thomas (Carolyn) Burke.

Contributions: In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jack Burke Community Service Award for deserving Moravian Village student employees. Checks should be written to Moravian Village with "Jack Burke Community Service Award" written on the memo line. Checks may be sent to Moravian Village of Bethlehem at 526 Wood Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018.

A viewing will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 3-5 p.m. at Connell Funeral Home, 245 East Broad Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018. A viewing will also be held on Monday, December 5th from 9- 10 a.m. in the funeral home with a service to follow at 10 a.m. in the funeral home. Burial to follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, 2575 Linden Street, Bethlehem.

Viewing
Sunday, December 4, 2022
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 E. Broad St.
Behtlehem PA 18018
US

Viewing
Monday, December 5, 2022
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Connell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 E. Broad St.
Behtlehem PA 18018
US

Funeral HomeConnell Funeral Home, Inc.
245 E. Broad St.
Behtlehem PA - 18018
US