Francis Edgar Burke

Francis Edgar “Fran” Burke, age 96, of Petaluma, California, passed away on September 20, 2018.  Born on June 24, 1922, in Santa Rosa, California, Fran was a hardworking, faithful family man who was dedicated to the people in his life and the endeavors he undertook.  He volunteered in the community and helped many, but he always did it his way!

Fran’s childhood took him from Santa Rosa to Upper Lake and back.  His mother passed when he was 13 years-old leaving him alone to help his father with hunting, fishing, and a small bootlegging operation in Upper Lake.  In Santa Rosa, when he was not in his back alley demonstrating the fundamentals of fighting to those who foolishly thought they were tougher than he, Fran attended St. Rose Catholic Grammar School, under the strict and loving guidance of the Ursuline Sisters.

The sisters must have made a little headway, since, Fran later excelled in academics and sports at Santa Rosa High School.  He played on the 1940 NBL Championship football team and the 1940 and 1941 NBL Championship track teams where he was selected as a high school All-American in the shot-put. This honor led to a track scholarship at Washington State University, where Fran also was a freshman walk-on to the first-string football squad.

During a quick trip home in early December 1941, his life changed forever.  World War II had begun. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserve and was accepted to the United States Merchant Marine Academy where he was a cadet in the first graduating class of the Academy.   Fran served with distinction throughout World War II and was honorably discharged in 1946, then continued to sail commercially until 1949.

After the war, he continued to be an avid athlete. “Frantic Fran” played semi-pro football for both the Santa Rosa Bone Crushers and for his favorite team, the Petaluma Leghorns from 1949 to 1954.  Fran’s love of sports also included a successful stint coaching football for St. Vincent de Paul High School.   His team won a title in 1955, and was inducted into St. Vincent’s Hall of Fame.  This spirit of hard work, coupled with education was of utmost importance to Fran…although it didn’t hurt if you also played football and were 6’-5” and 280 pounds!

During his Leghorn days, Fran met and married Helen Louise Defilippis, his wife of 64 years. He was very proud of their long union and of the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. He also took great pride in the success of the people that he helped along the way.

In his varied career, Fran worked for Matson Navigation Company, Petaluma Cooperative Creamery, and Hillcrest Hospital. He spent over 24 years as the Director of Building & Facilities, Environmental Services, and Safety for St. Luke’s Hospital, San Francisco. He finalized his working years at Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and Clover-Stornetta.

Fran is survived by his children, Cheriè Mitchell of Hidden Valley Lake, CA, Rory Burke of Loma Rica, CA, Nancy Burke Barr (Jay) of Dongguan, China, John Burke (Carla) of Nevada City, CA, Michael Burke (Sherril) of Billings, MT, and Gina Burke Tarke (David) of Sutter, CA.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, June Defilippis and Dorothy Defilippis.

In addition, he is survived by 12 grandchildren, Shanon Mitchell, Kevin Mitchell (Tuy), Shona Burke (Christopher Palbicki), Shay Burke (Lauren), Jayme Barr, Sarah Barr, Scott Barr, Don Gray (Amber), Eugene Burke (Lauren), Michaela Stevens (David), Franklin Tarke, and Leighton Tarke.  There are seven great-grandchildren as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fran was preceded in death by his wife, Helen Louise (Defilippis) Burke and his parents, Clarence and Helen Burke.

Visitation will be Friday, October 12, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, Petaluma, with the Vigil Service at 6:00 p.m.  The Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, October 13, 2018, at 9:30 a.m. at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, Petaluma.  Reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Fran requested donations to:  St. Vincent de Paul Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma, CA  94952; Santa Rosa High School Foundation, P.O. Box 11006, Santa Rosa, CA  95406; or Mustang Athletic Club, c/o St. Vincent de Paul High School, 849 Keokuk Street, Petaluma, CA  94952.