Obituary of William Joseph Burke

William Joseph Burke, 71, of Rowayton, CT, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 1, 2014. He was the youngest of five and son of Margaret (Bonner) and Gerald Burke who both immigrated from Ireland years earlier. Known as Bill to his friends and family, he served in the U.S. Marines at Camp Lejeune, after attending Stamford schools. Bill's life was full of adventure. He was an accomplished sailor, who loved cruising to the islands, and even single-handed between Florida and Connecticut more than once. He especially loved his family, and never missed his "Happy Friday" calls to his daughters. He could build, repair or improve any project. Bill had an interesting career as a technician including working on building IBM's first PC. He even met with Bill Gates, to plan the software. Bill is predeceased by his parents, his sister Noreen Kelly and his brother Gerald Burke. He is survived by his loving wife Joan McGee-Burke of Rowayton, CT; daughters Kelly (Rob) Draper and Kerry Beeler, grandchildren Lauren, Kellen and Kyle Beeler and Kaylee, Kelsey Draper and one great grandson Logan Nickel, all of Perrysburg, OH. He is also survived by his sisters Eileen (Tony) Pompony of Darien, CT and Marilyn (Dick) Wagert of Bethel, CT. He leaves stepsons James McGee of Seattle, WA and Brendan (Christine) McGee and step grandsons Gavin, Trevor and Ethan McGee all of Rowayton, CT. A Celebration of His Life will be held at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 10, 2014 at 2:00 PM at the Edward Lawrence Funeral Home, 2119 Post Road, Darien, CT followed by a Service at 3:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Vitas Hospice Care, 99 Hawley Lane, Suite 1204, Stratford, CT 06614. Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820