William "Billy" H. Burke

WORCESTER/HOLDEN – William “Billy” H. Burke, 69, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at UMass Medical Center in Worcester. Born in Boston, Billy was the son of the late Dr. Philip B. and Phyllis J. (Schmidt) Burke and lived many years in both Holden and Worcester.

His wife of 39 years, Margaret “Maggie” (Mahoney) Burke died in 2015. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his son, Ryan W. Burke and his fiancé, Ashley Ward of Santa Barbara, California; his daughter, Brianna Burke and her husband, Benjamin Attella of Woodbridge, Virginia; a brother, Gregory Burke of Holden; three sisters, Kim Burke Bianchi of Falmouth, Carolee and Heidi Burke both of Holden; a grandson, Cameron Attella; a granddaughter, Alexandra Attella; and many nephews and nieces. Billy also leaves behind his companion of several years, Sandra LaVenture of Worcester. Besides his wife and parents, Billy is predeceased by a brother, Philip Burke.

Billy was a graduate of Wachusett Regional High School, class of 1969. He later graduated from Worcester State College with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education. He honorably served his country for 22 years with the U.S. Air National Guard retiring as a Major. While in the service he worked as both a utilities specialist and as an air traffic controller. Billy was a general contractor and owned and operated W. H. Burke Co, Inc. for over 30 years retiring in 2012.

Billy found great comfort and joy spending time with his family and friends at their home on Webster Lake and vacations at Delray Beach, Florida where you could find him at one of his favorite hangouts, Boston’s on the Beach. He also enjoyed playing a round of golf with his close friends at Wachusett CC and Kettlebrook Golf Club. With his office so conveniently located above Bennie’s Cafe in Worcester, Billy was adopted as the informal social host and greeter; there he met everyone with his warm Gaelic smile and personality. You could also find Billy at other gathering spots throughout the city surrounded by close friends discussing current events and world issues.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Billy’s family from 3 to 6 pm on Tuesday, February 4, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org .

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