John F. (Jack) Burke Jr., age 79, of 45th Street, Plum Island, Newbury, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2016. He was the husband of Joan M. (Crampsey) Burke. Born on April 30, 1937, he was the son of the late John F. and Mildred (Raynor) Burke. Jack faithfully served his country as a United States Marine.

He was employed for 45 years in the maintenance department at Bostik in Middleton, retiring in 1993. John was an accomplished horseman and an avid fisherman who hand-painted his own fishing lures. He was an amateur painter and also had a "green thumb," being able to grow flowers and vegetables even on Plum Island.

Besides his wife, he is survived by a son, John F. Burke III and his wife, Annalisa S. and their children, Dakota J. and Kendall R. Burke of Kingston, N.H., and John's daughter, Melinda J. Burke of Newbury; a daughter, Jill M. Burke-Thistlewood and her husband, Paul A. Thistlewood of Byfield; two sisters, Dorothy Torrey and Alice Breuer; long-time best friend, Craig Magner; and several nieces and nephews. He was the grandfather of the late John Michael Delehanty and brother of the late Margaret Nagy.

Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 3, at 11 a.m., at the First Congregational Church, 175 Main St., Rowley. Burial will take place in Main Street Cemetery. Calling hours Thursday, June 2, from 4 to 8 p.m. in the F. S. Roberts & Son Funeral Home, 14 Independent St., Rowley.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to the First Congregational Church of Rowley, UCC, 175 Main St., Rowley, MA 01969, in Jack's memory would be appreciated. To light a memorial candle or to leave condolences, please visit www.fsrobertsandson.com.