William —"Billy"— Thomas Burke , 81, of Newton, Massachusetts died surrounded by his daughters at Newton Wellesley Hospital on April 15, 2025. He was born there in 1943, the third child of Marion (née Humphrey) and William F. Burke of Newton.

A lifetime resident of Newton, he married and had six children with Virginia Burke (née Carroll) also of Newton. He had a long career as a diesel mechanic, working for years at Vermont based St. Johnsbury Trucking Company.

Billy was a man of legendary physical strength; he was a great dancer; he loved music, good food, and was proud of his Irish heritage. He enjoyed watching old westerns and loved to take long drives on the backroads of New England. He was an avid follower of sports and news–global and local–all of his life. Billy loved living. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren to the end.

He was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas William Burke, and his sister Barbara Megaro. He is survived by his beloved children: Maureen Burke, Karen Burke, Tracie Butt, Bridget Easler, and Paul Burke; ten grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; and his long time partner, Sara Levy of Chestnut Hill.

Funeral services were private.