Timothy J. Burke, age 69, a longtime resident of Shelton, entered into eternal rest on July 7, 2024 at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Massachusetts after a long and courageous health related battle. He was the beloved husband of the late Bonnie L. Burke. Tim was born in New Haven, CT, on February 25, 1955, son of the late William J. and Mary Virginia (O’Neil) Burke.
Tim was a savvy businessman and the owner and operator of Huntington Package Store. His education as a graduate from Notre Dame of West Haven and The University of New Haven set the foundation for his success. Tim also believed in giving back and serving others. He was a lifetime member of Echo Hose Hook and Ladder Co. #1 and a past fire commissioner for the city of Shelton.
He also served as a longtime member on the Shelton Democratic Town Committee and served for 8 years on the Shelton Planning and Zoning Committee. Tim was the past President of the Huntington / Shelton Exchange Club.
He was an active volunteer at the Shelton Senior Center, former member of the Highland Golf Club, and he was a reader every Tuesday morning Mass at St. Joseph’s Church. Tim was a true pillar of strength to the Shelton Community. During the years he resided in East Dorset, Vermont, Tim was a member and past president of the Manchester Lions Club, an East Dorset Selectboard member, and volunteered with numerous activities.
Tim will be remembered fondly by all he encountered for his dry wit, wonderful outlook on life, and kindness and care for others.
In addition to being a man of service who always put others first, Tim was also an amazing cook and avid gardener. He has the most beautiful gardens and manicured lawn. He would often impart his knowledge to loved ones as a green thumb is apparently not hereditary. Famous for his entertaining skills and hosting ability, Tim would whip up delectable dishes and always had the best spreads.
Family, as his core value, prompted Tim to move back to his hometown of Shelton after many years as a Vermont resident. His family was growing and he wanted to be there for it all. Tim was a constant presence at each family gathering, celebration, graduation, sporting event and family field trip. He has passed on many things to his nieces and nephews but at the forefront of it all is his love for his Irish Heritage. He was a true Irishman through and through.
Tim is survived by his sister in law Cyndee Burke, two nieces, Allyson Danso and her husband Gerry, Shannon Gorton and her husband Tom, nephew Ryan Burke and his wife Kaitlin, five great nephews (Brayden, Liam, Connor, Caleb, and Greyson), one great niece (Taylor) and many friends, especially Sue Juliano and Jim Regan. He was predeceased by his brother William H. Burke and great nephew Jacob Gorton.
Friends are invited to greet the family on Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Edward F. Adzima Funeral Home, 253 Elizabeth Street, Derby. On Friday, his funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. for his Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Church, 50 Fairmont Place, Shelton. Burial will follow at Mt. St. Peter Cemetery in Derby.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tim’s memory to Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Research, C/ O Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA 02115 or to St. Joseph’s Church in Shelton.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.adzimafh.com.
