Westfield – 
Robert John Burke, 64, passed away on December 21, 2016. He was born on December 23, 1951, and raised in Holyoke, MA. A 1970 Graduate of Holyoke High School, he joined the United States Navy, one month after graduation. Robert was known by many nicknames during his life: Bobby by his family, Chumley in High School, Tiny, for the first four years of Naval Service, Stoney came and remained during his Naval career of 21 years, and Stones was added after he retired from the US Navy by two of his five beloved nieces, Jessica and Chelsey Burke.
Robert served his first four years at the Naval Air Station, Saufley Field, Pensacola, FL as a Navy Crash Crew Member. He also taught on two different tours, his rating of Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Launch and Recovery Equipment) in Lakehurst, and served aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43), USS Constellation (CV-64) and USS Nimitz (CVN-68) from which he retired on March 1, 1991. During his Naval career, he was trained to operate, maintain and teach all aspects of U.S. Navy Aircraft Carriers, aircraft launch and recovery, and ancillary equipment. He was also a Qualified Aircraft Recovery Officer on the now decommissioned Kitty Hawk Class Aircraft Carriers and also on the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carriers. All teaching was done in Lakehurst, NJ, where a lot of his friends still live. Stoney served on the Board of Director’s, Aviation Boatswain’s Mates Association (ABMA), and as its Treasurer and Membership Chair. He was selected as the Association’s LIVING LEGEND in 2006. Stoney was also actively involved as a long time Quartermaster and Commander of VFW Post 10061, Lakehurst, NJ, even after he moved back to his beloved New England and Westfield, MA.
Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Mae (Drew) Burke and father, Robert George Burke. He never married, and is survived by his loving sister, Carol Konrad, husband Arthur, nephew Kyle, wife Karah (Douglas) and great nephews, Logan and Shane, niece Kristie, husband Jay Fennessy, and great niece, Ryleigh, great nephew Brayden. Sister, Bonnie Roy, husband Jeffrey and nieces Carrie Vaughan, husband Ryan and niece Katherine Roy. Brother, William (Bill) wife Sunday (Matthews), nieces Jessica, Chelsey and nephews Tyler and Brandon. Bobby was a man whose strong work ethic and heart of gold touched all who met or knew him. His life and legacy will live on through those he loved. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Wednesday December 28, 2016 at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad Street, Westfield, MA 01085, with Words of Remembrance at 7PM from his family. The burial will be at the convenience of the family. A celebration of life for Bob/Stoney will take place in Lakehurst, NJ at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ABMA Scholarship Fund, c/o Michelle Petersen, 2634 Settlers Landing, Gulf Breeze, FL. 32563 ( [email protected]) or the charity of your choice.
