Barry M. Burke

Barry M. Burke, age 89, of Taunton, a beloved educator and devoted family man, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, November 17, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was the husband of Roberta G. (Waddington) Burke for the past sixty seven years.

Born and raised in Taunton, Massachusetts, Barry dedicated thirty-five years of his professional life to Taunton School Department, where he served as an English teacher before advancing to the role of assistant principal. 

He attended Taunton Schools and earned a Master’s Degree in Education from Bridgewater State University. Barry had been a member of the Polish American Citizens Club, the Elks, served on the board of directors for the Massachusetts Teachers Association, and served as president of the Taunton Education Association for several years.

Mr. Burke served his country proudly in the United States Navy during the Korean War. He was known for his loving, caring, and kind nature who had a heart for the youth.

Barry had a variety of interests. He was a history buff with a deep appreciation for the past, as well as an avid camper and traveler. He also displayed craftsmanship through woodworking, having built a significant portion of his home with his own hands. An avid golfer, he once achieved the remarkable feat of a hole in one. He was also a wordsmith.

Besides his wife Roberta, he leaves his daughter Ann Guglielmo and her husband Dan of Plainville; a sister Ann Walsh of Kingston; sister in law Sandra Burke; four grandchildren, Daniel Burke Guglielmo, Barry Michael Guglielmo, Paul Robert Guglielmo and his wife Lisa, and Kathryn Ann Guglielmo; and three great grandchildren, Victor Guglielmo, Ivy Jean Guglielmo, and August Roy Guglielmo; and several nieces and nephews. He was the father of the late Jean Elizabeth Burke; the brother of the late Thomas Burke Jr and his wife Muriel, and the late Richard Burke; and brother in law of the late Robert Walsh.

To honor Barry's wishes, his interment with military honors in Saint Joseph Cemetery will be private and visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Barry's memory can be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care of Sowiecki-Snyder Home for Funerals & Cremation Services.

For online condolences, please visit www.sowieckifh.com or on Facebook at Sowiecki-Snyder Home for Funerals & Cremation Services.