William “Bill” / “Billy” Burke, Jr., a longtime resident of Greenwich, CT, passed away on February 21, 2026. He was 72 years old.
Bill was born in Detroit, Michigan, the son of William Sr. and Mary Virginia (O’Connell) Burke, Chicago natives who ultimately settled in Riverside, CT with their six children. A busy, loving household, the six Burke siblings remained close for life. Bill’s sisters and brother were counted among his closest friends.
From a young age a few things were clear about Bill: he loved to read, had a great sense of humor, and was deeply loyal, forming friendships at St. Catherine of Siena grammar school that lasted for decades. No matter when you met Bill, if you were a friend, you were a friend for life.
Bill graduated from St. Mary’s High School in Greenwich, CT and went on to earn his BS in Sociology at Northeastern University in Boston. Bill began his career in social services, where his compassion and ability to listen made him a trusted resource. Even after making a career change to the world of publishing, he remained a go-to person for many who were struggling with addiction or mental health issues. Bill was a steady and comforting presence in many people’s lives.
The center of Bill’s life was his relationship with his wife, Rita Bolger Burke. Theirs was a partnership grounded in love and respect. They were married in 1980 and celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary last year. Together they built a full life, raising two sons and eventually running a consulting practice side by side. People who knew them as a couple remarked on their complementary personalities and how supportive they were of each other’s goals.
As a father, nothing was more important to Bill than time spent with his boys. He showed up without fail to concerts, sporting events, and every activity his sons were part of. Most of all, he was always there to listen at a moment’s notice, with open ears, mind, and heart. He was incredibly proud of his role as a dad, and even prouder of the men his sons grew up to be. While nothing could compare to his sons, the arrival of his twin granddaughters brought him great joy in his last few years.
He had a ridiculous sense of humor (of which he was his own biggest fan) and is remembered by many for his infectious laugh and silly streak. He was a fantastic cook who was happiest with a crowd gathered around the dining room table. Bill loved spending time with those he loved – and they loved spending time with him.
Bill is survived by his wife of 45 years, Rita Bolger Burke; his sons, Mike Burke (Cheri) and Jack Burke; his granddaughters Morgan and Annabelle Burke; his sisters Margaret Downing (Tom), Kathy DeMare (Patrick), Susie Schruth, and Jean Burke Young; his brother Jim Burke; his sisters-in-law Mary Bolger, Anne Bolger, Francie Sinnott (Lloyd), and Margaret Hoernemann (Steve).
A service celebrating his life and legacy will be held on April 15, 2026 at The Greenwich Historical Society at 47 Strickland Road, Cos Cob, CT. Visitation will be from 1:30pm to 2:45pm followed immediately by a memorial service at 3:00pm.
Bill was an avid supporter of public broadcasting and the riches found in the local library. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to Connecticut Public Media or the Perrot Memorial Library.