by Tiffany Elliott

Longtime Copiague resident and chemist Dr. John M. Burke died suddenly July 12, 2008 at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip. He was 90 and had lived on Greenlawn Terrace in Copiague for 58 years.

“My dad loved to spend time with his family,” said his youngest son, James. “He was a world traveler and loved to camp. In 1969 he drove us all the way to Alaska - it was a six week  trip.”

He was born December 11, 1917 in Brooklyn to John Joseph and Margaret Mary (Carroll) and graduated from St. Francis Prep, St. Francis College, New York University and St. Johns University. For 60 years he was a professor of organic chemistry at St. Francis College in Brooklyn and chairman of the science division and head of the chemistry department. He was best known for his research in chemically purifying and identifying toxins in red tides, clams and mussels. Prior to teaching, he worked for ITT Development and General Foods Research Laboratories.

Dr. Burke was a member of the American Chemical Society, a charter member of the Long Island Beach Buggy Association and a longtime parishioner of St. Martin of Tours Church in Amityville. He was also an avid surf caster who spent many years on the beach with his family.

According to his son, Dr. Burke chopped down trees and built his home Greenlawn Terrace in 1950 (originally only a summer bungalow). 

In addition to his son James, Dr. Burke leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Mary; his children: Mary Jo Chiara, John, Thomas and Marguerite; his grandchildren: Margaret Mary Chiara, Nicholas Chiara, John B. Chiara, Thomas O. and John; his great grandchildren: William Kieran and Megan.

A Prayer Service was held at the Powell Funeral Home in Amityville on  July 15, 2008. Monsignor Peter Chiara officiated at a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Martin of Tours, assisted by the Consolation Ministry and members of the family. Interment followed in Holy Cross Cemetery in Brooklyn.