Redmond Joseph Burke

Redmond Joseph Burke, 89, peacefully passed away with family by his side on September 12, 2024, in Tucson, Arizona.

Redmond was born on March 8, 1935, in San Francisco, California to Patrick and Margaret (Chambers) Burke, both Irish immigrants. He was the youngest of three children and often claimed he was the apple of his mother’s eye. Along with his older sisters, Kathleen and Eileen, he attended church and school at St. James Church in San Francisco where he had multiple adventures that later turned into lore.

When he was still a young boy, Redmond and his family moved to Grass Valley, California. Redmond enrolled in the seminary at age 11 at St. Patrick’s Seminary-St. Joseph’s College. He was in the seminary for six years where he studied his faith, learned Latin, and embarked on the occasional escapade, often with his close friends Jack Breen and John Cloherty. He left the seminary in 1954 and completed college as an English Major at Santa Clara University in California, graduating with his bachelor’s degree in 1956.

Redmond went on to serve his country and was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy on May 1, 1957. He was stationed in Honolulu, Hawaii where he served as a naval flight navigator. He retired on August 31, 1962, as a lieutenant and moved back to California, living in Cupertino. During this time in Hawaii and California, Redmond and his then-wife Claire had four children. Following his honorable service, Redmond enjoyed a fulfilling career in the private sector working at Lockheed Martin.

He was married for 49 years to the love of his life, Diane, whom he met in 1972 at the Sterling Arms apartments in Mountain View. Redmond and Diane married in 1975 in California, later moving to Texas in 1982 where Redmond continued to work at Lockheed Martin until he retired in 1995. They raised their two children in Dripping Springs. Redmond was active in his church and community. He taught religion at St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, volunteered for many years with the local food bank, and taught English as a Second Language through the library. Redmond and Diane moved to Tucson, Arizona, in 2013 where he continued his parish volunteer work.

Redmond was a devout Catholic and proud of his Irish heritage. He enjoyed good jokes and great one-liners, was always on time, loved parties, enjoyed dancing at weddings, and was a gifted storyteller - often telling stories about his childhood and days in the seminary. He had beautiful blue eyes and great hair, combed just so. He was very kind and a good listener. When asked, he gave great advice. He often described himself as an English major and a Navy lieutenant. Perhaps related, he instilled excellence and respect in his children and was a tough editor. While not fond of long phone conversations or lengthy visits, he deeply loved each of his six children, who were truly his pride and joy. He was fortunate to know all fourteen of his grandchildren, many of whom have fond memories of tractor rides with Grandpa on the riding lawnmower in the “south forty” at the house in Dripping Springs. In his retirement, he discovered woodworking, became an avid reader, and actively followed his favorite sports teams and athletes.

Redmond will be missed deeply by his loving wife, Diane. His memory will be cherished by his six children, Redmond Burke (Kimberly), Alannah Radtke (Scott), Claire Chinn (Randall), Christine Jaeger, Amanda Burke (Cody Deike), and Ryan Burke (Allison). His fourteen grandchildren - Stephanie, Alyssa, Marina, Justine, Analese, Olivia, Noelle, Grace, Anika, Michael, Knox, Hayes, Eliza, and Sullivan - held a special place in his heart and were a source of immense joy, as were his six great-grandchildren – Brady, Charlotte, Isla, Mila, Valentino, and Noah. He is also survived by his eldest sister Kathleen Stevens, whom he loved. He is preceded in death by his dear sister, Eileen Davies, and his parents Patrick and Margaret Burke.

Services will be held at Corpus Christi Catholic Church on Friday, October 11 at 10 am in a private service for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.