Obituary of Matthew James Burke

Matthew James Burke passed away peacefully on December 14, 2016. Born on May 17, 1950 he grew up in Wayne, but had made his home in Ringwood since 1987. He graduated from Wayne Hills HS and served in the US Air Force during the Vietnam War before embarking on a career as a roofer, spending the last 25 years with Roofco, Inc. He loved playing Pinochle (by the rules), a good glass of scotch from time to time, and watching John Wayne movies. He was sad to say goodbye to his Harley this summer. Whether you knew him as Matt, Matthew, Jim, or Jimmy, he touched all who knew him with his generosity, friendship, kindness and good nature. He is survived by his siblings Charles (Debbie) Burke of Houston, TX; Joseph (Kathleen) Burke of Oak Ridge, NJ; Claire Spagnolo of Oakland, NJ; Maureen (John) Zang of Greensburg, PA as well as a beloved nieces, nephews and friends. He leaves behind one very special man around whom his world revolved and who will always remain "his little dude", Tyler Schreckenstein. Matthew James' life will be celebrated with a Memorial Visitation at Moore's Home for Funerals in Wayne on Monday, December 19, 2016 from 6-8 pm. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at Most Blessed Sacrament RC Church, 787 Franklin Lakes Road, Franklin Lakes. Interment of his cremated remains will be private and at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Matthew James' honor.