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John Burke Obituary

John W. Burke

John William Burke, 67, passed-away Tuesday, November 24 after a brief, yet brave battle with glioblastoma. John was the beloved husband of Kathy for 41 wonderful years. Loving father of the late Colleen, Denny (Sarah), Maureen (Tom) and Meghan. Cherished "Pops" to his three grandchildren: Erin, Conor, and Grace. Dear brother to Jim, Tim (Patti) and Susie. A fond uncle, cousin, in-law, and friend to many.

John grew up in Chicago's Beverly neighborhood and attended Brother Rice High School (Class of 1971). He was a member of the cross country team. In 1970, he participated in a canoe trip at the Boundary Waters and met Kathy. The two started dating shortly thereafter. John studied architecture at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign for his undergraduate and graduate studies. While in college, John studied abroad for a year in Versailles, France. It was during this time that his love of travel flourished. John planned vacations with family and friends across the globe, from Iceland and Italy to Seattle and San Francisco. However, Paris always held a special place in his heart, and he always included Paris in a trip itinerary when visiting Europe.

A joyful man, John was able to make any situation fun. He had a knack for storytelling, sharing jokes, and making others smile. A lover of music, John enjoyed attending concerts and music festivals. His favorite tunes from The Grateful Dead, The Rolling Stones, and String Cheese Incident were often played at family gatherings and dance parties. He stayed active in every season. In winter, John was an avid skier and ice skater. During warm months, he was a loyal beachgoer and gardener.

John had an accomplished career as an architect and building project manager. He helped shape the skyline of Chicago by overseeing construction of the Franklin Building (formerly AT&T Building) and Sofitel Hotel. He also worked on projects in the Chicago suburbs, Denver, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and Salt Lake City. John was an active member in his community: an AYSO soccer coach and referee, member of St. John of the Cross New Hope Connection, and a former St. John of the Cross- Parish Council President.

He is greatly missed.

A private visitation was held by family. A Mass was held at St. John of the Cross Church, Western Springs on Tuesday, December 1st. Interment was held privately. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to American Brain Tumor Association at abta.org. Arrangements entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home at 708-352-6500 or HJFunerals.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Suburban Life Publications on Dec. 3, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Burke

Sponsored by Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside.

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Darrel McGehee

August 17, 2024

I met John at the Bell System Training Center in Lisle when both of us worked for different bell systems, he for Illinois Bell and I for Southwestern Bell out of Oklahoma in 1979. We kept in contact throughout the years and in 1978 we each left the Operating companies and transferred to AT&T. We even worked on a couple of large projects together briefly. John was a great project architect and a wonderful friend. I´m so sad to just learn of his passing.

Laura (Hantsch) Oliver

April 24, 2022

I worked with John at Classic Residence by Hyatt. He was a kind and caring gentleman, a great architect and colleague. I was so sorry to see this when I was searching for the obituary for a friend´s father of the same name. Prayers for John´s family. May John Rest In Peace.

Nick Patera

January 12, 2021

I worked with John on the Deerfield Residences. John will be remembered as a most kind hearted and generous soul giving compliments and support for others.
John´s humor made me look forward to each conversation, his spirit will live on. Thanks John.

Nancy Cutter

December 7, 2020

John emanated a calmness and warmth that included everyone. He was a great listener and talented architect. He will be missed.

Dorothy McCarty

December 2, 2020

John was a good friend and colleague- always smiling and friendly. He will be missed by many.

Bob Chaps

December 1, 2020

I was always amazed at John's smile. In fact I do not remember ever seeing him without one. He was a very positive person and a very good runner.
Bob Chaps - High School Classmate.

Kathryn Cullen Rainbird

November 30, 2020

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

Jennifer Stephens (Yaeger)

November 30, 2020

My deepest condolences to your family on your loss. I worked with John many years ago at Classic Residence by Hyatt as his assistant. He was a wonderful person and I am certain will be missed by many.

Kathleen Morro

November 29, 2020

John was a really good man. My favorite memory of John was watching him pull his Ice skates out for his daily winter jaunt to Millennium Park. I was always in awe that he found time to get out there. We did not cross paths for long in the office, but he was always kind and a real gentleman.

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1

Funeral Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. John of the Cross

IL

Funeral services provided by:

Hallowell & James Funeral Home - Countryside

1025 West 55th Street, Countryside, IL 60525

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