Theodore A. Burke, Sr.

LOUDONVILLE - Theodore A. Burke, husband of Joan M. Burke for 62 years; father of E. Patrick of Greenwich, CT and Theodore (Toni) of Loudonville; died Sunday, March 3, 2024.  He left this world peacefully and without pain, all we could ever hope for after a life well lived.

Ted was born and raised in Albany.  He was the son of the late Helen T. and Edmund P. Burke and was predeceased by his brothers Patrick and Edmund and his sister Joann Dollard, and is survived by his brother Thomas A. (Patricia) Burke.  He also leaves five wonderful grandsons, Teddy (Ellen), Andy (Sarah), Connor, Stephen and Nevan along with many well-loved nieces and nephews.  And, of course, his trusty source of information, music, weather and jokes, Alexa.  

He served proudly in the United States Army in Korea as a decorated Sergeant. He spoke little of his time there, as heroes often do. Later in life, as his grandsons grew up, he began sharing stories that we were all thankful to hear. No one could tell a story like Big Ted.

Ted’s professional career was with the former State Bank of Albany, now Bank of America, having retired in 1988 after 40 years of service.  He was then employed by the Town of Colonie until 1994.

He married the love of his life in 1961.  He was quick to tell anyone who would listen that it was the best decision he had ever made.   Joan and Ted were constant companions; traveling, skiing, camping, sitting on their beloved beaches in Fort Myers and Cape Cod, taking walks, riding bikes or just quietly reading at home.   If they did it, they did it together.

Ted loved his life – loved spending time with friends, loved his grandchildren (even though they called him Dadoo when he had hoped he would be called Grandfather) and he loved when family gathered around him which, thankfully, was often.

He was always quietly funny, making jokes and comments you might miss if you weren’t listening closely.   He was soft spoken, kind, generous and unassuming, and he will be missed in so many ways.

It was always his wish to not have people mourn his death and “stand around crying and blowing their noses,” so a joyful celebration of life will take place at a later date.   Southern Comfort and sweet treats will be served.  To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .