PEABODY – Mr. John W. Burke, Jr., 86 of Peabody, formerly of Melrose and the loving husband of Gail M. (Nelson) Burke, passed away peacefully on Saturday, September 6, 2025 with his family by his side.

Born in Cambridge, John was the son of the late Dr. J. William Burke and Velma (Mitchell) Burke of Wakefield. He was raised and educated in Wakefield, attending school at Tabor Academy and graduating from Wakefield High School.

Following his high school graduation, John enlisted in the United States Navy and proudly served his country as an aircraft mechanic and flight engineer on the USS Randolph (CV-15).

Upon his honorable discharge from the navy, John continued his education at Boston University and Northeastern studying mechanical engineering before embarking on his professional career.

From a young age, John possessed an entrepreneurial spirit that drove him to explore new ideas and embrace challenges. He began his professional journey as an engineering technician and machinist at MIT, where his curiosity and determination served as the foundation for a successful career in the medical device industry. Later, he founded several businesses in the medical device field, where he and his partner developed several innovative products, including the SplashShield face mask, which was a breakthrough personal protection device.

John found great joy in the community around him, having been a longtime resident of Melrose, MA, where he fostered numerous friendships. He coached little league baseball and youth hockey in Melrose for several years during the 1970s. His love for the water led him to become a lifetime member of the Palmer Cove Yacht Club in Salem, where he spent countless hours on the water with his wife Gail and made many close friends. John was known as someone that would always make himself available to help out anyone in any way needed. He enjoyed target shooting with a close group of friends at the Cape Ann Gun Club and was a member of the Hickory Dickory Doc's Skiing Club for many years. His passion for life and his willingness to help anyone in need will be fondly remembered by all as he will be deeply missed.

In addition to his loving wife Gail, with whom he shared 62 years of marriage, John is survived by his children, Christopher Burke and his wife, Tracy Vu of Boxford, Joanne Peterson and her husband, Joseph of CO and Erin Burke of CO; his grandchildren, Daniel Burke of Derry, NH, Michael Burke of Gray, ME and Ayla Burke of CO; his sisters, Claire Markham of MA, Olive Hecht of MA and Kathleen (Burke) Hodge of CO and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are invited to John's funeral service which will be held at O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (Rte. 62) DANVERS on Thursday, September 11th at 11 A.M. Visiting hours will be held prior to the service from 9 A.M. to 11 A.M. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation of America, 322 8th Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, NY 10001. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.