Laurence Burke

Laurence Burke, 70 of Lebanon died peacefully July 18, 2012 surrounded by his family. He was born September 4, 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts to John and Marion (Kiernan) Burke. Known by friends and family as Larry, he joined the Marine Corps in 1959 and was stationed in El Toro, California until his honorable discharge in 1963. Following his service in the Marine Corps, Larry worked as a computer support engineer for Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq and Hewlett-Packard until his retirement. During his profession he enjoyed traveling around the world and spent two years in Alaska. In 1973 he married Susan (David) Burke who predeceased him. Together with Susan he made his home in Townshend, Massachusetts. He was predeceased by a daughter, Michelle, who died at birth. In 2000 he met Virginia (Cameron) Owsiak. Together they relocated and made a home in Lebanon, Pennsylvania. A true American patriot, Larry was the Senior Vice Commandant of the Marine Corps League and devoted countless hours volunteering with Toys for Tots and played an integral role in the raising of the Avenue of Flags at the National Cemetery at Fort Indiantown Gap. At 68, Larry purchased a Harley Davidson Trike and joined the Leatherneck Nation, a Marine Corps motorcycle club. Known to the club as “Pappy”, Larry loved participating in group rides and other club activities. In addition to his Marine Corps involvement he was a member of the Patriot Guard Riders, a volunteer driver for the Road to Recovery program of the American Cancer Society, a volunteer with PAWS of Central PA and volunteered in his granddaughter’s classroom in the Lebanon School District. In addition to his wife Virginia, Larry leaves step-daughters Deborah (Owsiak) Fisher of Lebanon, Donna (Owsiak) Derivan of Brookfield Connecticut, and Jane Owsiak of Lebanon; grandchildren Lindsey (Fisher) and Michael Jaeger of Lebanon, Melissa Pecor and Katie Derivan of Brookfield Connecticut; great-granddaughters Allison Mosher and Leah and Lauren Jaeger, all of Lebanon. To his granddaughters he was “Poppa” and they brought him great joy, they loved him and will miss him dearly. Larry also leaves numerous nieces and nephews in Massachusetts, New York and California. In addition Larry leaves his beloved pets Millie, Tango, Cha-Cha and Mambo. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM from the Kreamer and Lum Funeral Home and Crematory, Camp Meeting Road and Rt. 72, Jonestown. Interment will be held in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Viewing will be held on Monday evening from 6-8 PM at the Kreamer and Lum Funeral Home and Crematory. As a tribute to Larry’s dedication to Toys for Tots, donations of a new toy will be accepted in the drop box at the funeral home during visiting hours. Kreamer Funeral Home and Crematory, Annville is in charge of arrangements. PDF Printable Version

Laurence Burke

September 4, 1941 - July 18, 2012