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Robert Burke at work.
Robert J. Burke, known to many as “Bob,” died at the San Simeon Nursing Home in Greenport on March 25. He was 78 and a resident of Rocky Point, and, before that, Hempstead and Noyac/Sag Harbor.
Burke graduated from Uniondale High School in 1962 and started his extensive construction career as a structural ironworker (Local 40, New York City) continuing with the family contracting company, East Coast Industries, building and modifying many local projects, notably the Salty Dog Restaurant on Noyac Bay (formerly Lenny’s Noyac Casino), the Cooper Bay, Beach Buoy, Burkeshire Associates/Burkeshire Plaza, and several family residences.
During this time, he was employed for 33 years with the Suffolk County Department of Public Works, tending the Westhampton Beach drawbridge.
Survivors said an Irish poet would describe him as a modest man who knew his worth … a loving son, husband, father, family man, honest and known for his integrity, he despised hypocrisy, dishonesty and had a forceful way of expressing his feelings.
Burke is survived by his wife, Barbara (nee Raphael), daughters Colleen Burke and Christine Whaley, grandson Robert Whaley, and great-granddaughter Lillian Whaley.
He is also survived by a brother, the Honorable Edward D. Burke Sr., and wife Carol; sisters Kathleen Burton (Bruce), Sharon Corridan (Dennis) and Theresa Doyle (Seamus); an aunt, Frances Weismantel; and many in-laws, nephews, nieces, cousins within and without the Burke, Burton, Doyle, Corridan and Maddock clans.
Survivors said they are all heartened by the legacy of warmth and kindness his smiles and ability to tell a story that made the day a little brighter and the world a bit gentler.
Burke was predeceased by his parents, Edward J. Burke and Anna (nee’ O’Halloran) Burke, and an uncle, John Burke.
A mass and burial in the family plot at St. Andrew’s Cemetery will be held in Sag Harbor on April 23.
Memorial donations may be sent to the St. Andrew’s Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund.
Staff Writer on Mar 29, 2022