Obituary of William Arthur Burke

William A. Burke Wells, Vermont – William Arthur Burke, age 83, died at Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington, Vermont on Monday, March 27, 2017. He was the son of James A. and Louisa (Rivers) Burke. Bill married the love of his life, Bonnie Matthews on October 1, 1960 in Castleton. Bill entered the Army in 1953 and served until 1955. He then served in the Reserves for several more years. He was very civic minded and belonged to the following organizations: The Loyal Order of the Moose, where he received the fellowship Degree of Merit, American Legion Post 31 for almost 50 years, and the VFW Post 648 where he was a life member, all in Rutland as well as the Canadian Club in Barre, Vermont. Bill adored his Honda Scooter and was very upset when he could not drive anymore. His favorite music was polka and early country music, and he loved to dance. He was an avid fan of wrestling. Halloween parties at the Moose would find him always helping out, as well as with various parties for his fellow Moose members, working Bingo or lining up bands for Saturday nights. He was also an advocate for obtaining new members and activities involving the Booster Club. He retired from General Electric in Rutland after 25 years of employment. He spent his retirement tinkering around the farm and traveling. Bill was predeceased by his parents, as well as many brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. Survivors are his wife of 56 years Bonnie and his children Sharon Corey (Dean) of Wells and Brian Burke of Rutland. He was blessed with a granddaughter Nicole. He is survived by his siblings Tom of Milton, Raymond of Rutland, Wayne and Dolores of Barre, Beatrice Shaw and her companion Reggie Gibeault of N. Clarendon, Judi Robinson and her companion Kevin Daly of Mt. Holly, Jean Hier of Fair Haven, Louis of Rutland and Margaret Grenier (Donnie) of Mt. Holly. During the onset of his Alzeheimers his cat Molly spent countless hours with him but is now also deceased. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, April 1, 2017 at 1 PM at the Robert M King Funeral Home, 23 Church St. Granville, NY with the Kenneth Coonradt, Chaplain officiating. Friends may call from 11:30 AM until the time of the service. Burial will be in Wells Cemetery. Following the service there will be a gathering at the main building of the MWA in Wells.