Gloria J. (Belcastro) Burke

Gloria J Belcastro Burke of Braintree, died October 28,2020 at the age of 86.

Gloria, born and raised in Weymouth received her bachelors degree from UMass-Boston. She earned a masters degree in counseling psychology from Cambridge College. As a licensed clinical social worker and family therapist, Gloria came to the aid of countless struggling families to overcome the challenges associated with poverty, substance abuse, child abuse, domestic violence, suicide, and other social ills.

In 1971, Gloria was hired as the Community Education Director and Therapist for Weymouth Youth and Family Services. Then became Director of Youth and Family Services for the next 30 years. Under Gloria’s direction, Weymouth Youth and Family Services provided food for the hungry, shelter to homeless, financial assistance to poor and counseling to those in crisis.

Gloria started the annual Christmas celebration in Weymouth raising thousands of dollars each year to benefit families in need during the holiday season. During her tenure with the Weymouth Youth and Family Services office, Gloria and the work of the Teen Facility Development Committee, converted the shattered old police station to a thriving teen center in 1998.
Gloria had received many awards and citations; including ones from the House of Representatives and State Senate.
She also was recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Citizen of the year award of Massachusetts in 2000. Gloria retired in 2002.

Gloria was the beloved wife of 65 years to the late John G. Burke of Braintree where they lived for 64 years.

Gloria, was the loving mother of Chyrel Angelini and her husband Dr. Domenic Angelini of Plymouth, John G.Burke Jr. and his wife Barbara of Plymouth, Gary Burke and Tracy of Braintree and the late Sandra Alvarado of Braintree.

Proud “Nana” of Paul and his wife Margie Alvarado of Milford, Christopher Alvarado of Braintree, Jaclyn Angelini of Quincy, Nicholas Angelini and his fiancé Carolyn Desmond of South Boston, Melissa Burke of Abington, John Burke III of Brooklyn New York, Kyle Burke and his wife Brittany of Weymouth, Reilly Burke of Braintree and Great-grandchildren; Tyler Alvarado and Logan Burke.

Sister of Katherine (Kay) Lutz Jenkins, Eleanor Underwood Smith, Frank Belcastro, as well as the late Mary Willette, Nancy Moscardelli Burke, Elizabeth Saulenas, Grace Sever, Salvatore Belcastro, John Belcastro and Nicodemo Belcastro. Survived by many nieces and nephews.

Gloria’s family would like to send a special thank you to Plymouth’s BI Hospital, Senior Behavioral Care for their kindness, care and dignity they gave their mom.

In lieu of flowers, one can make a donation under Gloria Burke’s name to Marisa’s Mission, PO Box 850061, Braintree, MA 02185.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours on Saturday from 9-11 AM in the McDonald Keohane Funeral Home SOUTH WEYMOUTH at 809 Main Street (Rte 18 opp. So. Shore Hospital).

Funeral services and burial will be private.

Normally, the funeral is an opportunity for the community to gather in support of one another. Although we cannot gather together with Gloria’s family at this time, friends may still offer their support by sharing a special memory or message by clicking the link above.