Obituary of John Martin Burke

It is with heavy hearts that we convey the unexpected passing of John “Martin” Burke, 55, of Stamford on Friday, March 30th. Martin was born to John and Margaret Burke on July 4th, 1962 in Cork City, County Cork, Ireland. He moved to the United States in 1991.

Before coming to the U.S., Martin attended AnCo Trade College where he learned the plumbing trade.  In 1981, he was awarded Plumber of the Year. Having decided that plumbing was not for him, Martin attended Our Lady’s Hospital Nursing School (Cork City) in the RPN program, graduating in 1984 as a Psychiatric Nurse.  He also attended the University College Hospital Nursing School (Wilton) in the RGN program to obtain his certification as a General Nurse, graduating in 1986.  He worked in St. Anne’s Hospital and St. Stephen’s Hospital, both in County Cork.  Martin also worked as an agency nurse in London in his spare time. He was highly regarded among all his friends and colleagues for his dedication to the profession, his work ethic, and caring nature.  

In 1991, he set out for “greener pastures” and moved to Stamford, CT where he has worked at the Stamford Hospital for 27 years. Initially he had only intended to stay two years, but met his future wife, Julia, and they were married in 1996 on Block Island.  In 1997, their son Sean Seamus was born. Martin was a devoted father to Sean and an equally devoted husband to Julia. He proudly obtained his U.S. citizenship in 1999. 

During his tenure at Stamford Hospital, he earned the Nightingale Award for Nursing Excellence (2005), was named December 2006 Employee of the Month, and was awarded the Spirit of Planetree Caregiver of the Year in 2010. He was most proud of this last award as it acknowledged him for his personal calling. He consistently put all patients first, engaged all patients and their families in a professional and caring manner, treating them with the utmost dignity under the most trying circumstances. These genuine qualities are what all those who worked with him valued and respected. When you worked with Martin, he made you aspire to be a better person and nursing professional.  At the same time, he brought an atmosphere of humor and was always light-hearted and cheerful on the job.  He will always be remembered for these unique qualities.

Martin was predeceased by both his father and mother, Jack and Margaret Burke. He is survived by and will forever live on in the hearts of his wife, Julia, his son, Sean, his brothers, James and Liam Burke and many friends and co-workers in Ireland and Stamford. 

The family will welcome family and friends at that THOMAS M. GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME ( next to the Knights of Columbus) 453 Shippan Ave, Stamford (203)-359-9999 on Wednesday, April 4th between 1-3pm, and 5-8pm.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Cecilia’s Church 1184 Newfield Avenue, Stamford on Thursday, April 5th at 11AM.  To send on-line condolences to the family, please visit www.gallagherfuneralhome.com