Richard H. "Dick" Burke Sr. beloved husband of Elinore (O'Donnell) Burke, died peacefully at home on Monday February 2, 2015 following a courageous battle with lung and brain cancer.

Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Patrick J. and his wife Helen (Leonard) Burke. He graduated from Salem Classic and High School in 1957 and also attended Salem State College. He enlisted in th United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1963. Richard worked at Webbers Dept. Store where he met the love of his life Elinore. Following that Dick worked at GTE Sylvania for 28 years before retiring and working for the City of Salem Parking Dept.

A lifetime resident of Salem, he was a nurturing and loving son to his father Patrick Joseph and mother Helen (Leonard) Burke. Dick was a tender and devoted husband to his wife Elinore with whom he shared 52 years of marriage. A loving father to his three children, Richard "Rick" Jr. and his wife Debbie of Billerica, Maureen (Burke) Zuluaga of Salem and Patrick and his wife Heather of Salem. He was very proud of his eight grandchildren, Jonathon and Christopher Zuluaga of Salem and Andrew Zuluaga of North Conway, NH.; Joshua and Jacob Burke of Billerica; and William, Shannon and Caitlynn Burke of Salem. You could often find him at their sporting events, plays, concerts or other family gatherings.

Spending time with his family and friends including many vacations was always the highlight of his life. He was an avid reader and loved watching movies. When he wasn't watching a movie he was watching golf. On Friday nights, Dick, Elinore and their "Gang" could be found hanging at Bertini's restaurant. Weekend mornings he often spent time listening to the Irish Hit Parade or watching Meet the Press.

Along with his immediate family he is survived by his beloved dog "Maggie" who never left his side, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Robert and Leonard Burke.

His funeral will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2015 , at 9:00AM from the Murphy Funeral Home 85 Federal St Salem to be followed by Funeral Services at 10:00 AM in Immaculate Conception Church Church, 15 Hawthorne Blvd.. , Salem , MA 01970 . Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Friday, February 6, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM . Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery , Salem. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B, Danvers, MA 01923 For online guest book or additional information, please call 978 744 0497 or visit www.MurphyFuneralHome.com