Thomas Edward Burke Sr.,

Obituary


Retired West Springfield Police Chief, Thomas Edward Burke Sr., 77, lost a long and hard-fought battle when he passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 7, 2022, surrounded by his loving wife and children. He was predeceased by his parents Edward and Doris (Binns) Burke, as well as his late siblings Timothy and Margaret. Thomas was born in Buffalo, NY on March 12,1945, but West Springfield became his home, where he spent the majority of his life raising his family and serving the City of West Springfield. He graduated from West Springfield High School, and earned his Bachelor’s degree from American International College where he also played ice hockey. He then went on to earn his Master’s degree from Anna Maria College and serve in the Army National Guard.



Thomas lived an extraordinary life filled with an altruistic journey of professional accomplishments, heroism, love and compassion for every single person he encountered. Thomas became a West Springfield Police Officer in January of 1970, and on June 1,1992, he was appointed as Chief of Police. During his 42 years of service, he achieved insurmountable success in all his professional endeavors, dedicating his entire life to helping others. He attended the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s 132nd National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, was a member of several Regional and Federal Task forces, Captain of the West Springfield Detective Bureau, President of the Massachusetts Police Association, a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and President of the Western Mass Chiefs of Police Association.



Aside from his professional accolades, his proudest accomplishment was his family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Jadwiga Burke (Kirejczyk), his children, Alissa Burke-Spaulding (Daniel Spaulding) of West Springfield, Kristen Coccia (Michael Gonnello) of Westfield, Thomas Burke, Jr. (Kristen Burke) of Agawam, and Ania Burke of West Springfield. His grandchildren, Daniel, Mackenzie and Michael Spaulding, Isabella and Sophia Coccia, Jack, Avery and Keegan Burke were his pride and joy. He also leaves many adoring sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws that were more like brothers, nieces, nephews, and great-nephews, and countless friends who he cherished, loved and considered family.



Thomas was a humble man, and nothing made him happier than the simple pleasures of spending time with his loved ones, telling legendary stories from his past, and watching his children and grandchildren play sports. Hockey was one of his great passions and he loved watching his son and grandsons on the ice. Thomas was an avid Boston Sports and Notre Dame Football Fan. In addition to his love of sports, he was most at home on the water; boating on Skaneateles and Owasco Lakes, the Connecticut River and fishing on Cape Cod. He could often be found on Nauset Beach reading countless books. He lived life to the fullest taking on every day with his athleticism, fierceness, and humor. He was a powerful and vibrant presence in every room that he walked into. He loved people, and they loved him. Thomas was larger than life and he will be incredibly missed by all those who were lucky enough to know him.



Chief Thomas E. Burke will be missed by all and certainly never forgotten. Calling Hours will be TUESDAY July 19th from 3-7PM at TOOMEY-O’BRIEN, 1043 Westfield St, West Springfield.  There will be a Celebration of his Life ceremony at 11AM WEDNESDAY July 20th at St. Thomas Church, followed by burial in St. Thomas Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the West Springfield Police Club, 26 Central Street, W. Springfield, MA 01089


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