Thomas “Tom” R. Burke Jr., 64, of Matawan, also affectionately called “T.R.” or “Burkey” among friends and family, passed away June 28, 2022, at Bayshore Hospital. His family is heartbroken at his unexpected passing.
He was born in Jersey City Dec. 12, 1957. Tom’s early years were spent in Middletown before his family moved to Rumson, where he attended Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School. He went on to study business and history at Brookdale Community College.
Tom was an avid family man, New York Yankees supporter, Bruce Springsteen fan, proud Irishman, was always quick to break up an awkward moment with a witty joke, and has been described as the most delightful stranger to befriend on an airplane.
An early hint at Tom’s future career could be found in his childhood days spent helping out at his father’s menswear shop as a boy, even before he began his first job at Roots, a clothing store in Red Bank. Tom spent a few years away from menswear, working at Firestone and Music Makers Movie Theaters (where he met Bruce Springsteen, his idol), before beginning his 23-year career at Brooks Brothers. Some of his notable career accomplishments included being promoted as the youngest department manager in the company, serving as the made-to-measure specialist for the New Jersey stores and Liberty Plaza location, and being honored with the Golden Fleece Award of Excellence in 1991.
Tom was a public historian who was dedicated to the preservation and celebration of New Jersey Civil War history through his work as an author, an educator, a reenactor and an active and committed member of many organizations in this vibrant community. He always went above and beyond to make other members of this community feel welcomed and included. In addition to his numerous contributions to publications and documentaries, he was the producer, writer and an actor in the documentary “Called to Duty: The Civil War Training Camps of New Jersey,” trustee and past president of the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association, board member and past president of the 69th NYSV Historical Association, and organizer of Allaire School of the Soldier at Allaire State Park.
Tom leaves behind his daughters, Shannon (Roger Davis II) Bostic and Colleen (Todd) Rogers, his grandson Benjamin Bostic, his step-grandson Roger Davis III, his sister Patricia (Ed) Donnelly, his niece Cristy (A.J. Landaw) Cummings, his beloved cousin William (Aggie) Hawley, and many dear family members. He will also be missed by future family members that will not get a chance to know him. Additionally, he is survived by his fiancée Cheryl Mustachio, his lifelong friend Jeff Nettles, and his former wife and mother of his daughters Susan Burke née Jamison. His cat Frankie and his dog George will be well looked after by his surviving human family members.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 13 years Amy Burke née Bertsch, his father Thomas R. Burke Sr., his mother Eileen C. Burke, and his close friend Christopher Wantuck.
Despite Tom’s many accomplishments, his true legacy is in the many lives he touched in his 64 years. Tom valued people and found great joy in fostering strong connections everywhere he went. Those connections blossomed into beautiful friendships and he will be missed deeply by so many.
Visitation was held July 6 at John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the New Jersey Civil War Heritage Association in Tom’s name.
The article originally appeared in the July 7 – 13, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
