Paul M. Burke, Sr., M.D.
Retired Lowell surgeon, 87
Dr. Paul M. Burke Sr., 87, a well known and respected surgeon, and long-time resident of Lowell, passed away on Friday, June 24, 2011.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Dorothea (Philbin) Burke.
Born in Akron, Ohio on April 3, 1924, he was the son of the late Paul M. and Mary (Ley) Burke. His mother’s family was one of the founding families of Akron.
He was a veteran of the United States Army during World War II. Following his discharge, he matriculated at Hamilton College, and subsequently Boston University School of Medicine. After completing his surgical training in Boston he re-enlisted in the service of his country during the Korean Conflict, serving as a Captain in the U.S. Air Force stationed in West Germany.
Following his military service, Dr. Burke established a private practice in Lowell, MA where he practiced general surgery for 37 years. He served as Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Saints Medical Center, and President of the Medical Staff at Lowell General Hospital. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and member of the Massachusetts Medical Society.
Dr. Burke was an avid golfer with a handicap as low as 4. He was a longtime member of Vesper Country Club, Longmeadow Golf Club, Indian Ridge Country Club and The Club at Pelican Bay in Naples, FL.
He also enjoyed competitive sailboat racing and, as a member of the Boston Yacht Club won many races with his sloop the “Dorothea”. Among his victories was the first place honors among 280 boats at the prestigious Block Island Race Week.
His true passion, however, was spending time with his family.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his seven children and their spouses: Dorothea L. Stone and her husband Dr. Jeffrey D Stone of North Andover, Dr. Paul M. Burke, Jr. and his wife Honey of Andover, Philip P. Burke and his wife Marcia of Marblehead, Christopher M. Burke and his wife Nancy of Andover, Robert C. Burke of Lowell, Attorney Theodore D. Burke & his wife Attorney Terri Burke of London, England, and Kathryn Tateronis and her husband Attorney Craig Tateronis of North Reading.
He leaves sixteen loving grandchildren.
Dr. Burke is also survived by his brother Thomas E. Burke and his wife Laurie of San Antonio, Texas; a sister in law Ruth Boisseau of Belleviue, Washington, two brothers in law Donald Philbin and his wife Carolyn of Chelmsford, and Stanley Stoklosa of Lowell.
He was the pre-deceased by his sister Marjorie Crowley of Akron, Ohio.
BURKE – In Salem, June 24, 2011, Dr. Paul M. Burke, Sr., MD, formerly of Lowell, beloved husband of Dorothea (Philbin) Burke. Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 3 to 7 P.M. Tuesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Wednesday morning at St. Augustine Church, 43 Essex St. in Andover at 10 o’clock. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery, Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the charity of their choice. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.
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