William F. Burke passed away at the Concord Regional VNA Hospice in Concord, NH on Wednesday, March 24, 2010. He was 90 years of age. William was born and raised in Chelsea, graduated from St Rose Grammar School and Chelsea High school, Class of 1936. Mr. Burke was a WWII Veteran serving with the Coast Guard from 1943 to 1945. Bill was a member of the Local Electrician's Union #103 IBEW of Boston where he worked for over 50 years. Mr. Burke lived in Melrose for 30 years and Manchester NH the past several years. He was a former member of St. Mary's Church in Melrose, enjoyed doing home improvement projects and was an excellent craftsman. William was a great family man with a brilliant mind who enjoyed reading and history. Beloved husband of 68 years to Norma (Johannessen) Burke. Loving father of Norma Burke Mannion & her husband Chris of IL, William F. Burke Jr., & his wife Marlene, Christine A. Burke, John J. Burke & his wife Janice , all of NH. Cherished grandfather of John, William F. III, Michael, Shelley, Christopher, Kevin and Brian. Caring great grandfather of Abigail, Hannah, Camden, Teddy, Noah and Liam. Devoted brother of Madelyn Hurley of CA, Barbara Berkowitz of Rowley and the late Rita Burke, Lillian Trickett, Rose Monzione and Thelma Callahan. Also survived by many nieces & nephews. A funeral service will be held at the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St., Melrose on Friday March 26th at 12PM. Relatives & friends respectfully invited. Visiting hours prior to the service from 10-12PM. Burial in Holy Cross Cemetery.