Hon. Jerome T. Burke 1936-2013

Hon. Jerome T. Burke (Ret.) passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 27, 2013.

Jerry Burke grew up on Chicago's North Side in the Rogers Park neighborhood where he attended Hardy Prep and Loyola Academy. He graduated from the University of Notre Dame in 1958 and received his law degree from Chicago Kent College of Law in 1964.

He was an attorney with the law firm Arvey, Hodes before going on the bench in 1973. He served as a Cook County Circuit Court judge until he retired in 1998. After leaving the bench, Jerry Burke was of counsel to McGuireWoods and a member of Resolute Systems.

Jerry Burke was a devoted father, husband, and grandfather. His passions included following Notre Dame football, the Chicago Cubs, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was an avid history buff, with a special interest in electric interurban railroads. He loved bicycling, as well as spending time with his grandchildren.

He performed countless weddings for many couples over the years. Jerry Burke was a published author and proud of his book "Black Point" which was set in Lake Geneva, WI, where he spent his boyhood summers.

Jerry Burke was a former Barrington resident and lived for the last 25 years in Elgin. He will be missed by his many friends and family who were touched by his compassion, generosity, humor, and love. 

He was the husband of Patricia Burke (McManamon); father of Thomas (Laura McGuire), Aaron (Tricia Gibbs), John David (Eileen) and Victoria Burke; grandfather of Lindsay, Julia, Sean, Alana, Meredith and Tara Burke, and Kevin Lee, Bryan and Shannon McGuire. Also survived by brothers, Edmund (Jane), Frances (Anne), and Richard (Jacquee); and brother-in-law, Jim McManamon. Preceded in death by sister, Shirley; and parents, Hon. Joseph and Catherine Burke.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Illinois Railway Museum at 7000 Olson Road, Union, Illinois, 60180, www.irm.org.