Thomas "Tom" Joseph Burke

Thomas Joseph "Tom" Burke, age 74 of Hickory, North Carolina died Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at his home.  Tom as he was known to his family and friends was born on February 19, 1949 in Newark, New Jersey and was a son of the late Herbert Burke, Sr. and Patsy Propst Burke.  He was also preceded in death by his aunts and uncles.

Tom was a veteran of the United States Army in Korea and  Vietnam serving  from 1967 until 1971, rising to the rank of Sergeant.  He also served as a Maryland State Police Officer and for the Asheville V.A. Hospital. 

Survivors include his wife of 12 years, Sheila Burke, his brother, Father Herbert Burke, his sister, Frances Urr and husband Cliff, his step-son, Carroll Lewis and wife Kamby, and grandsons, Caymen, Cayden, Colton as well as several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 o’clock on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Burke Memorial Park, 25067 Burke Memorial Park Road, Morganton, North Carolina with Father Herbert Burke officiating.  

There will also be a Funeral Mass held at 11 o’clock on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church in Forest City, North Carolina celebrated by Father Herbert Burke.

The Padgett and King Mortuary & Crematory is in charge of arrangements and an online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.