James M. Burke

obituary

James M. “Lobster” Burke – 66, of North Reading and formerly of Somerville, died at his home on Sunday, May 22, 2022.

Born in Cambridge, MA on May 17, 1956. He was the son of the late Henry J. and Pearl L. (Cooper) Burke. Jim was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1975. He was a truck driver for the North Reading Public Works Highway Department for many years.

Lobster was a very caring, thoughtful, and generous person to all his family and friends. He was always the life of the party a bigger than life personality. His nieces and nephews meant the world to him, like they were his own children. He was Santa for many years, he took them to the drive in and trick or treating in his truck. He had many many good friends was well known in town. Loved stopping in the town trucks and saying hi to all the kids.

Lobster was the North Reading High School wrestling champion. He was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Knights of Columbus for most of his adult life. He has been a resident of North Reading for the past 53 years.

He loved playing in the town leagues for men’s softball for many years, he loved bowling and golfing and had made a hole-in-one June 21, 2014 on the 13th hole of Middleton Golf Course.

He loved going to the Patriot games and tailgating with his friends and often took nieces or nephews with him. He did many charitable motorcycle bike runs. He would do the Laconia bike weeks as well on his Harley. He especially loved playing cards with friends.

Family members include his loving brothers, Henry D. Burke and his late wife Gayle, Edward J. Burke and his wife Sandra and Joseph T. Burke and his wife Sheila; his late sister Nancy A. Burke Abruzzese and her surviving husband David Abruzzese; nieces and nephews, Regan Lamphier, Christina Dunn, Colleen Peabody, Carol Abruzzese, Kelley Wilson, Cathleen Abruzzese-Pavlini, Joseph Burke, Kevin Burke, Robin Evans, David Abruzzese, Justin Burke, Kayla Burke, Scott Burke, Morgan Burke, Timothy Cersale and the late Sean Burke; numerous great nieces and great nephews, including the late Ethan Lamphier and one great great nephew.

His funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Tuesday, May 31 at 9:15 AM, followed by a 10:30 AM Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street, North Reading. Visitation will be held on Monday, May 30 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 42040, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-3000 or to the charity of one’s choice. www.croswellfuneralhome.com

25 thoughts on “James M. Burke”

  2. Mark and I are so sorry for your loss lobby was a fabulous Guy and will be so missed ♥️

  5. So sorry to hear this . Always enjoyed chatting with him when he came by the shop. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

  8. My sincere condolences to the family give me an always been a good friend and a good pal all through Junior high and high school will miss you lobster

  10. A friend from the past that I hadn’t seen in 15 or so years. Alway a happy camper. Another young man of honor and integrity lost before his time. Rest in peace lobster!

  12. RIP Lobster you were always a nice guy to me ! Hope he didn’t suffer too much

  13. We’ll miss our friendly neighbor and hearing his wonderful voice carrying through the trees at family campfire nights. Our condolences to family and friends.

  18. My condolences to the family. Lot of great times working with lobster back in the day. Will be missed. God bless

  21. Sorry for your loss! Lobby was always an outgoing spirited person! Down to earth, now up in heaven! RIP Jim!

  22. My condolences to the Burke family. Lobster is a great guy. I will always cherish the times spent with him and Ricky. Never a dull moment and lots of laughter. RIP Lobster.

  23. Worked with lobster at Giant store in NR in 1960s. A unique individual who could make you laugh easily. An NR legend. RIP

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