Jerome Burke
Jerome Anthony Burke, 73, of Saint Louis passed away peacefully on October 10, 2020 after a long battle with chronic kidney failure and Alzheimer’s disease.
Jerome was born December 2, 1946 in Boston, Massachusetts. Son of the late Mary White Higgins Burke and Thomas Joseph Burke.
Jerome was a truly dedicated educator who devoted more than 30 years of his life to teaching mathematics to countless students in Saint Louis area schools. Jerome was a teacher and instructional coordinator at Normandy High School for over 15 years of his career. His dedication to his students went beyond the classroom as he took part in numerous extracurricular activities and devoted many hours to tutoring students outside the classroom.
Jerome was a devout Catholic who enjoyed attending mass regularly and held a strong conviction in his faith. Jerome was a kind, humble, and selfless soul who always gave to others without hesitation. In his free time he greatly enjoyed spending time with his family, visiting with friends, taking walks outside, visiting the library, reading, tutoring, and helping others.
In addition to his parents, Jerome was preceded in death by three sisters, Deborah Burke, Sr. Rebecca Burke, and Brenda Beaumier.
Jerome is survived by three sons, Dillon (Jessica) of Oakville, Missouri, Dwain of San Clemente, California, Walter (Caitlin) of Saint Louis, Missouri, one daughter, Allison of Saint Louis, Missouri, five grandchildren (Ethan, Skyler, Asher, Avery and Jacob Jr.), and three brothers, Daniel Burke of Alexandria, Virginia, David Burke of Saint Charles, Missouri and Brian Burke of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Jerome will be deeply missed by family and friends who will mourn his passing.
Memorial gifts in Jerome’s honor may be made to St. Elizabeth Hall Assisted Living (https://cardinalritterseniorservices.org/how-to-help/donate/) or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2?df_id=32112&32112.donation=form1&_ga=2.229059292.1342890560.1603149256-1959714592.1603149256)
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Jerome’s life at a memorial service on November 1, 2020. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the capacity of the venue for the memorial service is limited. All those who attend will be asked to wear a mask and practice safe social distancing. If you would like details regarding the memorial service please contact Caitlin Burke via email at cfraz2309@gmail.com
To my cousins Danny, Dave and Brian, We’re so deeply saddened to hear about Jerome.
December 1, 2020
Jerome was my dear friend. When I decided to take math courses at the Community College, Jerome tutored me through five math courses. He was such an excellent tutor, he was kind and patient and his love for math opened me up to even enjoying solving problems! Now his suffering is ended and he is abiding in the eternal love of God. Thank you Jerome, for all you did for me and your many students over the years.
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your beloved father.
Mr. Burke was my math teacher for 4 years at Laboure High School (1973-1977). He was an awesome teacher and was really devoted to all of us students. During my junior year in high school Mr. Burke encouraged me to learn about engineering and to apply for a National Science Foundation Scholarship to MIZZOU. I applied and won a scholarship to the 8-week summer program. Because of Mr. Burke’s encouragement I went on to the University of Missouri-Rolla upon high school graduation. I earned an engineering degree and Mr. Burke came to Rolla for my graduation in 1981.
In 2018, after 37 years I retired as an Office Director at the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency in Atlanta.
I owe my career choice to Jerome Burke; he changed my life in a very positive way. You should be so proud of him and his commitment to his students.
I loved Mr. Burke. I am a graduate of Laboure’, class of 1976.
My condolences to the family. Mr. Burke’s passing is a total shock to me. He was my math teacher at Cardinal Ritter. I remember he had laryngitis and I got to teach his class. Mr. Burke was not only an excellent teacher, but a very good friend.
THIS MAN WAS IN MY CORNER WHEN NO ONE WAS I COULD TALK TO HIM ABOUT ANYTHING HE ACCEPTED ME AS A GOD DAUGHTER AND THAT WAS THE BEST FEELING EVER TO HAVE GENUINE LOVE FROM SOMEONE THAT REALLY MEANS IT HIS CHILDREN I AM CLOSE TO TWO AND I LOVE THEM DEARLY HE WAS GREAT WITH MATH I WISH I COULDVE STAYED LONGER I REALLY APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THIS MAN TAUGHT ME AND GAVE ME WE WAS THERE FOR EACHOTHER AND TO NOT HAVE A FATHER HE SHOWED ME THAT LOVE I REALLY NEEDED I LOVE YU JEROME / POPS