John Joseph Burke

Burke, John Joseph, of Halifax and formerly of Truro, passed away Sunday, June 17, 2018, at the Camp Hill Veterans’ Memorial Building in Halifax. Born in Truro on August 4, 1926, John was the youngest son of the late John William and Ann (Ryan) Burke. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. John is survived by his wife Theresa, Truro; daughter, Marjorie (Keith) O’Brien; son, Kelly (Rhonda MacDonald) Burke; grandsons, Jeffrey Hay (Renny Gunawan), Cavin Hay; granddaughters, Christa Hay (John Amodeo), Katelyn Burke; great-grandchildren, Enrique, Connor, Emily, all of Ontario. He was predeceased by brothers, Frank, Patrick, Michael, Edward; sisters, Rose, Ann, Margaret, Nora, Ethel. John grew up in Truro and attended the local schools. John was a veteran of the Second World War, joining the Canadian Army in Halifax in October 1942 (Princess Louise Fusiliers). He went overseas on the Queen Elizabeth landing in England. Prior to landing in Normandy, he was transferred to the Regina Rifle Regiment. After being wounded in France, he returned to England, recuperated, and then assigned to Holland, where he was attached to the 10th War Materials RECCE Unit proceeding into Germany with this group. When the war ended in Europe, he returned to Canada as a volunteer to proceed to Japan. He also served with the Venezuelan Army in a training capacity. After service, he attended the Success Business College and the University of Toronto. In October 2014 by the request of the Government of the Republic of France, John was appointed Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mattatall ~ Varner Funeral Home, 55 Young Street Truro. No visitation by request. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11 am, June 22, at the Immaculate Conception Roman Catholic Church, 669 Prince Street Truro, with Father Dariusz Miskowicz officiating. A reception will follow in Campbell Hall. Interment then to be held at Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Robie Street Truro. Family flowers only. Donations in John’s memory may be made to the St. Vincent de Paul Society, or to Kane’s Kitchen. Private messages of condolence can be sent to the family by viewing John’s obituary and selecting "Send A Condolence" at: www.mattatallvarnerfh.com