Obituary of Charles Thomas Burke

Longwood, FL and Canastota, NY Charles T. Burke, 57, formerly of Canastota, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, October 5, 2024, from a motor vehicle accident in the Town of Lincoln. Charlie was born on April 27, 1967, in Oneida, the son of Bernard and Frances (Lizzio) Burke. He was of the Catholic faith attending St. Agatha's Church in Canastota during his youth, where he was baptized and confirmed. Charlie's greatest joy was spending time with his family and friends. He took immense pride in his children and cherished the moments spent with them as they grew into adulthood, always eager to support them on their life journeys. He especially enjoyed fishing and boating with Hayden, listening to music with Lia and bicycling adventures with Eric. As a devoted son and a wonderful brother, his visits to NY were marked by family dinners, game nights, and good wine. He was a caring friend, generously sharing his time with the special people in his life. He loved spending time at his Bradley Brook camp, boating with family and friends, capturing moments through photography, enjoying his collections, music, and motorsports, particularly motorcycles. Charlie graduated from Canastota High School as the Valedictorian of the Class of 1985. In 1987, he received his associate's degree in engineering science from SUNY Morrisville. He then attended the University of Massachusetts at Lowell, receiving both his bachelor's and master's degrees in Plastics Engineering. He achieved top honors in all programs. His career began at GE in 1995 as a Technical Service Engineer, during which time he lived in Pittsfield, MA, and Kansas City, KS. Later, in 1995, he joined Entec Polymers in Fort Myers, FL. As his career and the company expanded, he took on roles in Orlando, FL, and Murfreesboro, TN. When Entec was acquired by Ravago Chemical Co. in 2016, he served as a Business Manager of plastics compounds for five years in Maitland, FL. In 2022, he returned to the Entec Division of Ravago as a Business Manager in Plastic Materials Compounding, where he was currently employed. His job took him across the country and to many locations globally. He was always a hardworking, creative, and committed employee. He is survived by his three children, Hayden, Lia, and Eric Burke all of Lake Mary, FL; his mother, Frances Burke; two sisters Nancy B. Mitchell and Lori Burke, one brother and sister-in-law, James and Karen Burke of Canastota; as well as aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, their families; and the mother of his children, Michelle. Charlie was predeceased by his father, Bernard Burke. Calling hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday November 1, 2024, at the J. Homer Ball Funeral Home, Inc., 201 James Street, Canastota. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at St. Agatha's Church, 329 N. Peterboro Street, Canastota. The Rev. Christopher J. Ballard, Pastor, will officiate. Burial will be in St. Agatha's Cemetery, Canastota. In his memory, contributions may be made to a charity of your choice in Charlie's name.