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