Brian Jeffrey Burke

Brian Jeffrey Burke arrived on April 20, 1965, and wasted no time making others smile. The youngest of seven children, he brought immediate joy to the world with his smiling blue eyes. Growing up in Amesbury, MA, Brian found happiness playing hockey, riding dirt bikes, and camping.

From an early age, it was clear that Brian was mechanically inclined and loved working with his hands. His graduation from Whittier Tech was the start of many years of education in the trades, including at MA Maritime and Wentworth Institute of Technology. He spent decades specializing in water treatment and enjoyed working for Waterline Industries, where he built water treatment plants for the past 25 years.

Brian was happiest in nature and by the ocean - whether it was boating locally, fishing in Alaska, riding a Harley-Davidson in Maui, sailing the Grenadines, paddle-boarding on St. John, drinking wine in Tuscany, or watching sunsets in Santorini. Brian loved watching New England sports and was a longtime Patriots season ticket holder, though his love for music was even stronger. He loved traveling to Nashville, playing guitar, and attending countless concerts and live music events. 

Brian was not just large in stature, his heart was just as big. He was often referred to by those who knew him as a ‘gentle giant’, who gave the best hugs. During his time here he gave an extraordinary amount of light, laughter, and love to those around him with his heart of gold and quick wit. He remained steadfast in his ability to stay positive and find joy every day, even after his brain cancer diagnosis. 

Brian won his courageous 19-month battle on June 7, 2024, when he became fully healed and was reunited with all the loved ones who departed before him. Heaven was undoubtedly rejoicing at his arrival, but he will be profoundly missed by so many here on Earth. He left behind his best friend and wife of over 20 years, Angela Burke, who looks forward to the day that he guides her from this lifetime into their next big adventure together; his beloved children and greatest sources of joy, Amanda Burke, Sean Burke, and Kerri Burke; grandchildren Logan, Xander, Mila and Daniel; siblings John Burke (Sandy), Anne Marie Knickerbocker (Dan), Paul Burke, and Jean Burke; in-laws Robert Quilici, Keith Salvatori (Cynthia), Kara Colburn (Jeff); and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Brian was welcomed into paradise by his mother Marie (Trudeau) Burke, father John Burke, brothers David Burke and Mark Burke, and mother-in-law Donna DeVincentis. 

Relatives and friends are invited to greet the family during the visiting hours on Friday June 14, 2024 from 4-8 PM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Route 18, opposite South Shore Hospital).

Brian also wanted the amazing life he had to be celebrated and details of that celebration event will be shared soon. If you are looking for ways to feel closer to Brian in the meantime, please listen or read the lyrics to one of his favorite songs, “Imagine” by John Lennon. 

Brian’s final wish was that his beautiful legacy serves as a reminder to always live life to the fullest, and to be grateful for each day.