In Memory of Dr. Gerald F. Burke
Gerald Francis Burke M.D., of North Palm Beach, FL, and Groton Long Point, CT, passed peacefully in his sleep on August 29, 2024. Born in St. Paul, MN, in 1928, he was the youngest son of Catherine Gillespie and Thomas Burke.
Jerry’s education journey began at Central High School in St. Paul, and continued at the University of Minnesota, where he obtained a B.A. degree, magna cum laude, in 1950, followed by a B.S. in 1951, and his M.D. in 1954. After medical school he completed his internship at Hartford Hospital and served as junior assistant resident in Medicine there. He completed his residency in Psychiatry at the Institute of Living.
His early medical career included practicing general medicine in Windsor Locks, CT, where he became known for his devotion to patients and frequent house calls. But his true professional calling was psychiatry.
As the Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Middlesex Memorial Hospital, from 1976 until he retired in 1995, Jerry was a distinguished and dedicated leader in the field. He later maintained a private practice in Portland, CT for many years.
A Diplomate in Psychiatry with the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Jerry was actively involved with the American Psychiatric Association, the Connecticut Psychiatric Society, and numerous Advisory Boards. He participated in the Psychiatric Education Program for General Practitioners which was sponsored by the American Academy of General Practice.
His aptitude for hard work was evident from a young age. In 1944 he sold enough War Bonds to earn a trip to Boston, MA to attend the launch of the USS St. Paul. Shortly after, from 1946 to 1948, he proudly served in the U.S. Army in Korea, earning the Army of Occupation Medal and the WWII Victory Medal.
In 1965, Jerry met Eileen W. Egan, originally from Longmeadow, MA, on a blind date. They were married in July, 1966. Following their wedding, they lived in West Hartford CT, and Litchfield, CT, before settling in Portland, CT, where they remained for 40 years. Summers were spent in Groton Long Point, CT, which he considered almost as nice as the lakes of his beloved Minnesota.
His Catholic faith sustained him throughout his life. He was an active parishioner at St. Mary’s in Portland, CT, St. Mary’s in Groton CT. Wherever he was, he attended Mass regularly. He lived his faith through quiet, consistent acts of service.
Jerry was also an avid art collector, with a remarkable eye, and his outstanding taste was reflected in his significant collection of oils, prints and lithographs. His collection was a reflection of his refined taste and was exhibited at Wesleyan University’s Davidson Museum.
His dedication to his physical fitness saw him up early every morning for a swim at the Middlesex YMCA well into his 80s. There he made friends from all walks of life. Known for his reserved nature, discretion, and wisdom, he was a trusted confidant to family, friends and acquaintances.
Jerry is survived by his wife Eileen Egan Burke, and his four children Gerald F.X. Burke, Catherine Burke Cushman, James T. Burke, and Joseph E. Burke. He is blessed with five grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
The Burke Family would like to thank Lawrence & Memorial Hospital, and Hartford Healthcare Hospice, for the compassionate care provided in his final days.
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