STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Matthew Burke, Jr., 82, a retired corrections officer and Army veteran who will be remembered for his pleasant and upbeat demeanor, died Jan. 8 in in New Vanderbilt Rehabilitation and Care Center, Clifton, where he resided for two months.
Mr. Burke was born and raised in Ridge Springs, S.C. He moved to the Island and first lived in West Brighton, then relocated to Castleton Corners, where he had lived for 50 years.
He worked as a city corrections officer in the Brooklyn House of Detention for 34 years. He retired in 1994.
Mr. Burke聽attended New York Institute of Technology, Manhattan.
He enjoyed gardening and repairing automobiles, electrical and household appliances.
He served as a corporal in the U.S. Army during the Korean War era from 1950-1953.
He was an active member of St. Philip's Baptist Church, Port Richmond, where he sang in the male chorus, was a member of the men's club and served on the scholarship committee, the trustee board and as a deacon.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Martha; his sons, Matthew and Eric; his daughter, Latasha Burke, and one grandson.
The funeral service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. in St. Philip's Baptist Church, Port Richmond. Arrangements, including cremation, are being handled by the Scamardella Funeral Home, West Brighton.