USS JFK V2 Rats & Cats, Inc. in Memoriam: You Are Dearly Missed

December 23, 1951, ~ December 21, 2016

Robert John Burke, 64, passed away on December 21, 2016. On December 23, 1951, he was born and raised in Holyoke, MA. A 1970 Graduate of Holyoke High School, he joined the United States Navy one month after graduation. Many nicknames knew Robert 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 US 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 the Nimitz Class Aircraft Carriers. All teaching was done in Lakehurst, NJ, where many of his friends still live. Stoney served on the Board of Directors, Aviation Boatswain's Mates Association (ABMA), and as its Treasurer and Membership Chair. He was selected as the Association's LIVING LEGEND in 2006. Even after moving back to his beloved New England and Westfield, MA, Stoney was also actively involved as a long-time Quartermaster and Commander of VFW Post 10061, Lakehurst, NJ. Robert was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Mae (Drew) Burke, and father, Robert George Burke. He was never married and is survived by his loving sister, Carol Konrad, husband Arthur, nephew Kyle, wife Karah (Douglas), 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 loves.