Norman E. Burke

Norman E. Burke, 81 of Worcester, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 28, 2011 at his home surrounded by his loving family. Norman's first wife, Bettymae (Lizotte) Burke passed away on October 10, 1991. He is survived by his wife of nineteen years, Nancy A. (Burbo) Lucier Burke; five sons, Norman Burke, Jr. and his wife Robin of Warren, Bruce Burke and his fiancé Mary Leger of Fitchburg, David Burke and his wife Cheryl, Michael Burke and Thomas Burke all of Worcester; four daughters, Celeste Burke and Deborah Harrington and her husband John, Tracy Pirperis and her husband Dimitris all of Worcester; Michelle Burke and her life partner Lisa Parella of Holden; three step-sons, Donald Lucier, Jr., David Lucier and Dennis Lucier all of Worcester; two step-daughters, April Lucier and her partner Benjamin Boi of Marlborough and Rachel Fleck and her husband Barry of Webster; his sister Theresa Roseberry and her husband Nere of Sterling; 15 Grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, 12 Step-Grandchildren, 12 Step- Great Grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by two sons, Dennis and Mitchell Burke. Norman was born in Worcester, the son of the late Thomas and Alice (Perry) Burke and has lived here all his life. He attended Saint John High School. Norman worked as a roofer for various companies and as a truck driver for the Salvation Army as well as a supervisor for Astra Foam. He was in the U.S. Army serving his country in the Korean War. Norman was a member of Saint John's Church. Norman's family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Grove Medical Associates and Staff as well as Dr. Vijay Kasturi and Staff for the exceptional kindness and care given to him during his illness. A period of calling hours will be held on Monday, January 2, 2012 from 9:30-11:30 a.m. in the MERACDANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St., Worcester with a service immediately following at 11:30 a.m. Burial will be held privately and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to: the Jewish Healthcare Hospice, 629 Salisbury St., Worcester, MA. 01609. To share your thoughts and memories of Norman, please visit his personal guestbook at: mercadantefuneral.com.