Thomas L. Burke

Thomas L. Burke Tom Burke, 78, of Knoxville, TN and formerly Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 19, 2021. Tom was born on August 15, 1942, to Thomas and Betty Burke of Brownsville, Pennsylvania. He grew up playing 4 years of Brownsville High School football and graduated in 1959. He grew up with his younger brother, Michael and sister, Sheree. Upon graduation from high school, his football talents led him to play college football at both California State College and George Washington University. After college, he married and moved to Atlanta, GA and later settled in Knoxville, TN. We often called Tom the “storyteller” as he regaled in the tales of his football days, his passions for work, fishing and told many stories about his children. Tom never met a stranger and often filled the room with his boisterous personality. He was very proud of his Irish heritage and became a great cook, sharing food and love with others. Tom was many things to many people - a builder, a coach, a friend and a father. In his later years, “Poppy” enjoyed his time taking care of his youngest grandchildren, Grayson and Odin of Knoxville, TN. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 25 years, Joan Ann Burke. Tom is survived by his four children, Roxanne Swiderek and husband Tim; Raquel Smith and husband Rob; Tom Burke and wife Bridget; and Shaymus Burke. He was the grandfather to five children; Gavin and Caroline Smith, Gabby Burke, Grayson and Odin Burke. He is survived by his brother, Michael Burke and wife Hui Yan Wang, his sister, Sheree Burke and wife Kathie Fox and his former wife Mary Ellen McClellan. He was also loved and cherished by many nieces and nephews. A special note of thanks to the teams at Beverly Park Place and Amedisys (Hospice) who cared for Tom in his final days. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Tom at https://www.fishpantries.org/donate. We would like to serve the area where Tom spent his last years. A private Celebration of Life service will be held in his honor.