William “Bill” Burke, son of Everett and Agnes Burke, passed away peacefully at home in his loving wife’s arms. Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Nan (Anne Sullivan Burke), and their 15 children, Billy, Angela, Chris, Maggie, Theresa, Tim, Jen, Steve, Jeff, Mariah, Liz, Sarah, Andrew, Rachel and Pat, 25 grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren. His presence will be deeply missed but forever felt in the lives he touched and the generations he helped shape. Bill was a proud lifelong Holyoker. For 25 years, he worked as a lineman for the Holyoke Gas and Electric, where he took great pride in serving his community and building lasting friendships with his coworkers. He was an athlete and an avid sports fan, and one of his greatest joys was watching his kids and grandkids play.

He organized and ran intramural basketball for several years at Holyoke Catholic High school and cherished his times with Tuesday night golf league. Bill spent countless hours coaching youth teams, imparting not only his knowledge of the game but also his deep love of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship. For much of his life, you could find him running races at the Elks, along Northampton Street, or at Whiting Reservoir, waving joyfully at cars and fellow runners passing by. He didn’t run for glory or to break records. He loved the community it connected him too. Over the years supporting any and everyone around him. Coaching up strangers and friends alike, through their first marathons and 5ks. Gladly falling back or even jumping into the water at the Holyoke Triathlon to provide comfort and companionship to the final few racers. He looked forward to the St. Patrick’s Road Race every year and managed to participate well into his seventies. Bill never met a stranger. He had a gift for making everyone feel loved and appreciated — whether he’d met you once or known you his whole life. You could always count on a big hello and an even bigger bear hug. He will be remembered and missed by many who were lucky enough to call him Dad, Papa, Uncle Bill, Mr. Burke, friend or the newspaper guy.

Instead of a formal wake, there will be an open house to celebrate Bill’s life on Friday, September 26, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Summit View, 555 Northampton St, Holyoke, MA 01040. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00AM on Saturday, September 27 at Blessed Sacrament Church, 1945 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA 01040. Burial will take place at St Jerome’s Cemetery Holyoke at a later date.