Obituary of Leonard Albert Burke

Leonard Albert Burke, Sr., age 72 of Sweet Valley, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 surrounded by his family. He was born in Kingston on October 12, 1946 and was the son of the late Carl and Catherine Gallagher Burke. Leonard served in the US Navy Reserves for a year and transferred to the Marine Corps in 1966. He spent 5 months in Vietnam before returning home on emergency leave to attend his brother William's funeral. He rounded out his tenure by being stationed at the Marine Reserve Training Center in Wyoming prior to release earlier that month. While serving in the Marines, he earned the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Rifle Sharpshooter Qualification Badge. Subsequent to his military service he worked as a Tile Setter until his retirement in 1997. He retired from Local 5 Bricklayers and Allied Craft workers. As a faithful and proud patriot, he honored his country and respected his flag. He was a member of the American Legion Post 672, Dallas. He enjoyed hunting, spending time with his family, old TV westerns and country music. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, William and David Burke. Leonard is survived by his wife of 52 years, the former Judith Sadowski; son, Leonard, Jr.; daughters, Catherine Golightley (Thomas), Stephanie McManus (Jason) and Christina Gustin (Jason); brothers, Carl, Robert, Richard, Kevin and Ronald Burke; grandchildren, Ariana, Audriana, Andrew, Jason, Leah, Aubrey and Caleb; great-grandchildren, Samantha, Leilah and Alivia; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A celebration of Leonard's life will be held Saturday, June 1, 2019 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Sadowski's Bar, 2 Cooper St., Pringle, PA. Arrangements are by the Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek.