Thomas Burke Obituary

Thomas Clarence "Tom" Burke, 78, of Odenton, Maryland, passed away on July 1, 2025.

Born on April 1, 1947, in Washington, D.C., he lived a life marked by service, dedication, and quiet passions that brought him joy and connection.

After being drafted into the United States Army, Tom served with distinction as a Specialist and Sergeant.

From his fellow enlisted friends, he was given the nickname "Stoney," a reference to "Stoney Burke," an American contemporary Western television series that aired in the early 1960s.

He was deployed to Da Nang during the Vietnam War, after which was honorably discharged.

Tom was a proud veteran. Due to an injury sustained in Vietnam, he remained connected to his fellow servicemen through his membership in the Disabled American Veterans.

Following his military service, Tom started working for the C&P Telephone Company as an installer. He thoroughly loved his work and took pride in contributing to the company's mission during a time of rapid technological change and deregulation.

Soon thereafter, Tom found his soulmate Donna Snider and they were married in 1972. Together, they moved to Odenton, Maryland in 1974.

Tom was a devoted family man. He shared 25 years of marriage with his beloved wife Donna until her passing in 1997. Together they built a loving home and raised their daughter Laura and son Thomas. His legacy continues through his cherished grandchildren: Samantha and Joseph Lowry through Laura, and Carter, Alyssa, and Alexis Burke through Thomas (wife Melissa).

He was preceded in death by his mother Rita and her husband Bill O'Brien, his father Joseph Burke, and his brother Joseph Burke.

In addition to his professional accomplishments and family devotion, Tom had a number of hobbies that reflected his personality. He enjoyed collecting coins - a pastime that spoke to his appreciation for history and detail. He also loved playing pool and could often be found watching movies or tuning into boxing matches with enthusiasm.

A man of faith, Thomas was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Odenton, Maryland, a Roman Catholic parish of the Archdiocese of Baltimore.

May the memory of Thomas Clarence "Tom" Burke bring comfort to those who knew him and serve as a lasting tribute to his life.

Two visitations will be held on July 11, 2025, the first from 02:00 PM to 04:00 PM and the second from 06:00 PM to 08:00 PM at Hardesty Funeral Home - 851 Annapolis Road, Gambrills, Maryland 21054.

A funeral, including a short Catholic prayer, will be held on July 12, 2025, from 01:00 PM to 03:00 PM at Hardesty Funeral Home - 851 Annapolis Road, Gambrills, Maryland 21054.

Tom will receive full military honors when he is laid to rest with his late wife Donna at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville, Maryland. The date for this memorial service is to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to one of the charities that were dear to Tom.

Please visit https://everloved.com/life-of/thomas-burke/ for contribution information.