Raymond Thomas (Tom) Burke

May 29, 1937 - January 26, 2018

Tom Burke was born and raised in San Francisco and was the eldest of the 3 sons of the late Raymond and Madeline Burke. He and his late brothers, Mike and Bob, grew up in a house their father built in 1937 on the steep block of Douglass Street, where Tom lived his entire life. He was a doting son, loyal brother and brother-in-law, and a kind and thoughtful uncle. He is survived by his sister-in-law, Carole Burke O’Connor (Kevin), and his 11 nieces and nephews, Michelle, Mike, Susan, Catherine (Louie), Dan (Deirdre), Graham (Deceased), Barry (Amber), John (Tiffany), Michael, Candace, and Meghan, and their families. Tom was a devoted Catholic and a lifetime parishioner of St. Philips the Apostle Church where he graduated from grammar school in 1951. He attended Archbishop Riordan High School, Class of 55, continuing on to Santa Clara University, Class of 1959, and then furthering his education by graduating from Boalt Hall School of Law, Class of 1962. He had a strong work ethic and was employed by the State of California for over 30 years.

Tom loved watching and playing sports, was a loyal fan of the SF Giants and 49ers, and most notably he played weekly tennis with the local Tennis Club. He was an avid skier who tackled the most challenging slopes of the French and Swiss Alps, enjoying many adventures as a world-wide traveler. In his retirement, he believed in giving back to his community and spent countless hours volunteering for St Philips Parish, Alvarado School, Catholic Charities, Archbishop Riordan HS and The Hannah Boys Center. He was also an active member of the Olympic Club for more than 50 years. Tom was a quiet and modest man who made a huge impact on all those with whom he crossed paths. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of his life will be held in his honor this Thursday, Feb. 1st, 10:00am at St. Philip the Apostle Church, 725 Diamond Street, San Francisco, CA 94114.

In lieu of flowers of flowers, donations can be sent to Archbishop Riordan High School or The Hannah Boys Center of Napa.