James "Bear" Burke

BURKE- Of Chelsea, January 24th, James P. "Bear". Devoted son of the late William F. and Rose M. (Mollica) Burke. Beloved brother of  Robert Burke of Worcester, Virginia Milliken of Keane, NH, Elizabeth Havens of Garland, TX, Joseph Burke of Randolph, Gerald Burke of Brandon, MS, Nicholas Burke of Randolph and the late Jenny Gallant, Mary Cooksey, John Burke, Marjorie Parsons, Catherine O'Connor, Alice Rimcus, Teresa Attardi, William Burke, Helen MacAfee, Esther Way and Miriam Mullen.  Lovingly survived by his devoted nieces, Paula Boczkowski and Linda Roberts both of Chelsea as well as many more nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. Family and friends are kindly invited to attend a Funeral from the Smith Funeral Home, 125 Washington Avenue, CHELSEA on Monday, January 29th at 10 AM followed by a Funeral Mass celebrated in St. Anthony of Padua Church, 250 Revere Street, Revere at 11 o'clock. Visiting Hours in the Smith Funeral Home on Sunday from 3-7 PM. Committal Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions in James' name be made to the Chelsea Pop Warner, c/o Michelle Lopez, 240 Revere Beach Parkway, Chelsea, MA 02150.

A lifelong resident of Chelsea, James passed away at the Massachusetts General Hospital at the age of 75. For over 30 years, he was employed by the City of Chelsea in the Public Works Department, and for a number of years until his retirement in the late 2000's was the foreman for the department. A 4th Degree Knight with Chelsea Council # 83, "Bear" was extremely active with the youth of Chelsea.  He was associated with and on the Board of Directors of the Chelsea Pop Warner as well coached Little League and Babe Ruth Baseball. A avid Boston Sports fan he enjoyed spending time with his large family at all gatherings.

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