John H. Burke, II

John Henry Burke II, of South Portland, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2015 at the Gosnell Memorial Hospice House in Scarborough after a short illness at the age of 83. He was born on February 29, 1932. He was the son of John Henry Burke I and Julia Burke. John grew up in Portland, attending local schools, and was a prominent member of the Portland High School swim team that won the state championship in 1949. That same team also went on to win the New England championships that same year. Johns athletic prowess wasnt restricted to swimming. He was in fact an exceptional snow skier, and was on the National Ski Patrol for several Maine skiing facilities. John entered our nations service as a member of the United States Marine Corp as the Korean conflict erupted in 1950. He was significant action, for which he later became the recipient of the Purple Heart. Like many veterans, John was always reluctant to talk about his experiences during the war. After serving in Korea, John was assigned to duty at the White House, and met and shook hands with President Truman. Most notable, John will be remembered as a master craftsman. He was skilled in so many of the trades that most people remarked that he could build and fix almost anything. He was a plumber, carpenter, furniture maker, electrician, auto mechanic, and appliance repairman. His most prized skill, however, was masonry, which was his profession for many years. His specialty was stonewalls, chimneys, fireplaces, and occasionally entire brick buildings. Over the many years that he was in the profession, it is almost hard to imagine how many homes and businesses have admired his craftsmanship. Just as important as recognizing Johns talent, is appreciating how generous he was in helping friends, neighbors, and especially family with any repair or renovation projects they might have. Whenever something broke down in so many households throughout Mr. Burkes sphere of influence, the operative words were, call John, and he would be there shortly with his toolbox. It was in 1972 that John married his beloved wife, Reinette Shevenell Jack. This was the second marriage for both John and Reinette, and it brought together an eclectic group of household residents, for John and Reinette each had four children. During these years of household management, and sustaining their careers, a favorite activity of Mr. and Mrs. Burke was square dancing. They pursued this activity with passion and attended square dance conventions throughout Maine and New England. It was after Mrs. Burke retired that the couple began their life of great adventure. John purchased a used motorhome and took to the open road. They wanted to visit the usual tourist sights especially national parks. Mr. and Mrs. Burke made a pact prior to their trip that neither one of them would veto the others choice of places to visit. Even when Mrs. Burke wanted to visit Graceland, Mr. Burke agreed and continued on without complaint. John had many hobbies and interests. He was adept at building model airplanes, and could always find the perfect field to fly them. He built and repaired furniture, and especially enjoyed making cribs for his grandchildren. He seemed to have a childish enthusiasm for big snow storms, and was often observed tinkering on his snow blower. Above all, he loved his family, especially his beloved wife, Reinette. John was predeceased by a son, Donald Burke. He is survived by his wife, Reinette Burke of South Portland, daughter, Julia Nolette and husband Richard and their son Mason of Biddeford; daughter, Kathleen Michaud and husband Gerald and their children, Shawn, Raymond, Kelly, Miles, Molly and Andy of Lake Arrowhead; son, John Henry Burke III of Boston; stepson, Kenneth Jack and wife Theresa and their daughter, Alice of South Portland; stepson, Stephen Jack and wife Joyce and their Children, Amy DiRenzo and husband Dana of Standish and Kevin Jack and wife Kathryn of Lakeland, FL; stepson, Brian Jack and wife Ann of Novato, CA and their sons Brian and wife Leeanna, and Willaim; stepson, Davis Jack and wife Kimberly DeYoung of Lynn, MA and son Cameron; brothers, Joe of Freeport and Jimmy of Santa Rosa, CA; two grandchildren, William and Kenny Burke, children of his deceased son, Donald; and three great-grandchildren. A period of visitation will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015 from 1-2PM followed by a 2PM Celebration of Life at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland.