Obituary of William J. Burke, Jr.

William J. Burke Jr., 89, of Essex passed away on Saturday January 12, 2019.  Bill was born in Hartford on October 6, 1929.  He was the only child of the late William and Catherine (Dower) Burke.  He was raised in West Hartford and later attended and graduated from Hobart College in Geneva New York. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean War.  After his honorable discharge he worked at Connecticut Mutual Life Insurance as an actuary until his retirement in 1989. Bill was a longtime resident of Simsbury while raising his family.  Bill is survived by his wife of 59 years Elaine, his sons Thomas, William, John, David and three grandchildren Bridgett Grenci, Molly Grenci and Spencer Larson.  He was predeceased by his daughter Catherine (Burke) Grenci.  Visitation will be held at the Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, 34 Main Street in Centerbrook, on Wednesday January 16, 2019 from 5pm-7pm. To share a memory of Bill or send a condolence to his family please visit www.rwwfh.com