John H. Burke Jr.

Worcester - John H. “Jack” Burke, Jr., 100, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026, with his family by his side.

A lifelong Worcester resident, Jack was a proud U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He dedicated over 40 years to the Worcester Public Schools, as a teacher and principal, where he made a lasting impact on generations of students. Even after retirement, he remained active in the community, working part-time into his 80’s.

Jack was a devoted family man, lovingly known as “Grampa Burke,” whose life was defined by quiet strength, generosity, and deep love for his family. He found his greatest joy in his wife, Claire, and in raising their eight children together, taking great pride in the family they built. As it grew, he cherished every moment with his grandchildren, all of whom he adored. His enduring devotion was most evident in the lifelong care he provided for his son, James.

He was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Claire T. (Lonergan) Burke; his son, James M. Burke; his daughter-in-law, Jennifer Burke; his son-in-law, Ron Bruscia; and his siblings, James Burke, Richard Burke, and Mary Mansour.

He is survived by his children, Kathleen Bruscia of Katy, TX; Maureen Comer (Stephen) of Worcester; John H. Burke III (Kathleen) of Millbury; Richard P. Burke (Jodi) of Shrewsbury; Martha Stevens (Mike) of Worcester; William “Billy” Burke (Nicole) of Worcester; and Michael Burke (Ashleigh) of Brookfield; along with 28 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren, and his sister-in-law, Kathleen Burke.

Calling hours are Sunday, April 26th, from 4-7 PM at Kelly Cremation & Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln St., Worcester. A Funeral Mass will be held Monday, April 27 at 11 AM at Immaculate Conception Church, 353 Grove St., Worcester, followed by burial at St. John’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Central Massachusetts Veterans Support Inc. (CMVSI), 135 Worcester-Providence Turnpike, Millbury, MA 01527.