MELROSE — Russell K. Burke, 92, a U.S. Navy veteran and longtime resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, August 26, at the Life Care Center in Stoneham.
Mr. Burke was born in Chicago, Illinois, one of three children of the late James V. Burke and Mildred (Tichy) Mollers. He was raised working in the farming town of Anamosa, Iowa, and entered the Citizen Conservation Corps at age 17.
At age 19, he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He was aboard the aircraft carrier, the USS Hornet CV-8, during the Doolittle Raid and the Battle of Santa Cruz when the ship was attacked in the Asiatic Pacific.
As a Torpedoman’s Mate, Russell was one of the last to abandon ship and survived hours floating while waiting to be rescued.
Upon his return home and honorable discharge, he settled in Melrose with his wife Thelma and raised two daughters. Deeply dedicated to his country and military strong right up until his final breath, Russ was forever proud and grateful to call himself a veteran of the United States Navy.
Russ worked for the Gillette Safety Razor Co. in South Boston for 23 years, retiring as a HVAC supervisor in 1984. He was a member of the Melrose VFW Post, and supported the DAV, and Paralyzed Veterans of America.
During his leisure time, he loved fishing in Gloucester Harbor, going to his camp on Ossipee Lake, and hunting in Newburyport.
With his military background, Russ had a particular interest in history and was never shy about voicing his political opinions. He was always ready to help his friends, and strangers were just friends he had not met yet. Friendly and honest, Russ was a good friend to many. He loved his family, and through his example of perseverance in the face of adversity taught his children and grandchildren to never give up. He will be lovingly remembered as a dedicated father, grandfather, great-grandfather and veteran of the United State Navy.
Russ was the beloved husband of the late Thelma (Hollis) Burke with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. He was the devoted father of Donna J. Dawson and her husband Richard of Intervale, NH, and Sharon L. Moore and her husband David of Raymond, NH. He was the dear brother of Rosemary Kasey and Barbara Stevenson, both of FL. He was the cherished grandfather of Amy L. Murphy and her husband Michael of Deerfield, NH, Justin K. Collins of Rowley, and Taryn J. Palmer of Kearsarge, NH. He was the loving great-grandfather of Kiley Murphy, Meghan Murphy, Trent Roden, and Lilly Collins. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, and many dear longtime friends, especially Joan Killian of Melrose, Carl and Marylou Hanson of Woburn, Bob Kirby of Melrose, and Charlie “Gooch” Seeley and his wife Carole of IL.
Relatives and friends gatherrf in honor and remembrance of Russell’s life at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose during visiting hours on Friday, August 29 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and again for his funeral service celebrated on Saturday at 10 a.m.
Interment with military honors presented by the U.S. Navy at Wyoming Cemetery.
Gifts in his memory may be made to the VFW National Home for Children, 3573 South Waverly Rd., Eaton Rapids, MI 48827.
For online tribute or to share a memory, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com
