Edward P Burke

Edward P. Burke, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, peacefully passed away at his home on April 15, 2024. Born on May 26, 1952, to Lauretta (née O’Neill) and Edward R. Burke, Ed was raised in Chicago Heights, IL.

Ed's legacy is carried on by his devoted wife of 40 years, Beverley (née Smith), and their three children: Becky (Al) Coulson, Aaron (Lisa) Burke, and Marilyn (Andy) Campbell. He took immense pride in his role as a grandfather to Alli Coulson, Jake Coulson, Natalie Campbell, Lucas Campbell, Violet Burke, and Mason Burke. Ed is also remembered fondly by his sisters Meg (Bob) Wagoner, Sue (late Greg Pease), and Kate (Tony) Bucki, as well as cherished nieces, nephews, and cousins

Edward served our country honorably as a member of the U.S. Army, where he was a military police officer. His time in the service paved the way for him to attend college at Illinois State University. There he earned a bachelor’s degree in Industrial Manufacturing which inspired his son, Aaron, and grandson, Jake, to follow in his path.

In March of 1984, Ed married Beverley, and together they raised their family in Mokena, IL. They frequently traveled out West to enjoy downhill skiing. On these trips, he taught his children to ski and created lasting memories as a family. Later, Ed and Bev moved to Fort Myers, FL where they would reside for 17 years. They recently made another cross-country move to Phoenix to fulfill a desire to live out West and spend more time with grandchildren.

Throughout his career, Ed traveled the world as a service representative, installing and servicing industrial food processing equipment. Later, he established a private handyman service in Fort Myers, Florida, where he was known for his craftsmanship and dedication to his work.  In retirement, he never stopped dabbling in home improvement projects for himself and his children.

Ed became an avid golfer during his extended travels and spent much of his free time on the course, sharing his passion with friends and family, even though he was a three-putter.

As he is deeply missed by family and friends, it is his sharp wit and humorous personality that will be remembered the most. An opportunity for a joke was never passed up, and you could never take yourself too seriously when you were around Ed.

A Memorial Visitation will take place Sunday, May 12, 2024  from 1:00 pm until time of Memorial Service 4:00 pm at Smits-Steger Memorial Chapel,3045 Chicago Rd, Steger, IL 60475 www.smitsfh.com