Robert L. Burke, 71, of Monessen, died Saturday, July 14, 2018 at Donnell House, Washington. Born April 9, 1947 in Scranton, PA he was the son of the late Leonard and Elizabeth Gilmartin Burke. A resident of Monessen for the past 15 years, Mr. Burke was a member of St. Sebastian RC Church, Belle Vernon.
Bob attended Scranton Prepatory School, the University of Scranton along with the American Press Institute, Inland Press Association and Penn State University. Bob began his news career as a copy boy, news correspondent, reporter/copy editor working his way up to assistant city editor, city editor and managing editor all at the Scranton Times/Tribune from 1963 to 2000. In 2001 Bob became the managing editor for the Valley Independent until its closing in 2015.
After retirement he continued to serve his adoptive community by being a Health Insurance Agent with the Riverside Insurance Group and as the producer and host of Valley View, a community-oriented talk show on CUTV television station owned and operated by California University of PA. He also learned a lot about our area driving the past few months for Rail Express. Bob continued to give back to his adoptive community by serving on the Board of Directors for the Mon Valley Alliance, Mon Valley Progress Council, the Advisory Board for the Salvation Army Mon Valley Citadel, Monessen Public Library Board of Trustees, Scranton Tomorrow Advisory Committee, Great Valley Technology Alliance Advisory Committee and the Advisory Board for the N.E. PA Boy Scout Council.
Bob was also honored as guest lecturer at the University of Scranton, Marywood College, King’s College and at California University of PA. he was also an honorary coach, Penn State Nittany Lion Club and was a member of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Scranton and the Belle Vernon Rotary Club. He is survived by his wife Lani Kelly Burke to whom he was married 48 years; sister & brother in law Mary Burke Tracy & husband Gerald of South Abington Twp.
; four nieces; one nephew; eight great nieces and five great nephews. Visitation will be held Monday from 5-7 PM at the Parzynski Funeral Home & Cremations, Family Owned and Operated, 626 Broad Avenue, Belle Vernon 724-929-6183 followed by funeral services at 7:00 PM in the funeral home with the Rev. Francisco R. Gan Jr. Pastor of St. Sebastian R.C. Church officiating.
A funeral mass will be celebrated Wednesday at St. Mary’s of Mt. Carmel, Dunmore followed with interment at St. Mary’s of Mt. Carmel Cemetery.
Members of the Belle Vernon Rotary club will conduct services Monday at 6 pm in the funeral home. The Family suggests memorial contributions be made in memory of Robert Burke to Salvation Army.
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