Obituary of John Burke, Sr.

Mr. John Burke, Sr., 68, of Fredericks Street, Canajoharie, New York died Tuesday, September 15, 2020 at Ellis Hospital, following a long illness. Born on July 14, 1952 in Amsterdam, NY, he was the son of George Burke and Dorothy Schoonmaker Burke. He attended Canajoharie High School. John worked for various Carnivals. He also worked for the NYS Canal Corp., The Red Mill in Fort Plain, and as a Mechanic in Esperance. He enjoyed Drag Racing on Route 162, working, and seeing people at the Carnivals, spending time with his kids, wrenching on cars, and working around the house. His parents; sister, Edna Mae Burke; and brothers, Stephen E. Burke, Chester C. Burke, William E. Burke, Sr., and Paul Burke predeceased him. Mr. Burke is survived by his sons, Travis Burke, Zachary Burke, John Burke, Jr., Shawn Burke; daughter, Kimberly Burke; siblings, Ann Burke, Robert Burke, Debbie Burke, Richard Burke, Maryann and Daniel Nightingale, Sr., Arlene Burke, Gary Burke; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at 1:30PM at Canajoharie Falls Cemetery. The family will receive relatives and friends on Tuesday, September 22 from 12:00-1:00PM at The Chapel of Houghtaling & Smith Funeral Home, Inc., 20 Otsego Street, Canajoharie, NY 13317. We ask that anyone in attendance please wear a mask and practice social distancing.