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Bruce R. Burke, 91, of Honesdale, died Wednesday evening at Ellen Memorial Health Care Center surrounded by his loving family. His wife of 69 years is the former Doris Penwarden.

Born in Nutley, New Jersey, he was the son of the late Joseph and Elizabeth Burke and was a graduate of Nutley High School. He was also a Navy Veteran and served in World War II. He then joined the Nutley, NJ Police Dept. and was part of the Police Pistol team. In 1952 he moved to Honesdale, Pa and from 1952 to1960 he tried his hand at farming, driving tractor trailer, worked part time for the Wayne Independent and was Foreman for the Citizens Time Newspaper. In 1960 Bruce started his own printing business on the Brook Road, called Brudo Press. From 1960 to 1969 he was very active in local churches and started a youth ministry called Christ for Youth, held at the Seelyville Chapel on Saturday evenings and was also active in CBMC (Christian Business Mens Committee). After nine years, he and his wife gave up the printing business and in 1969 they answered Gods call to be missionaries in South Africa, where they served for almost 40 years before coming back to the States due to age and declining health.

Bruce was a very loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Great-Great Grandfather. He loved his family deeply and they loved him.

Bruce and his wife are the authors of two books, one the story of their lives and the second a book for Pastors and Missionaries about serving on the Mission field.

Surviving is his wife Doris Burke of Honesdale, son Bruce Wayne Burke and his wife Susan of Beach Lake and Georganna ‘Gann’ Corey and her husband David of Lake Ariel, four Grandchildren, Five Great Grandchildren and one Great – Great Granddaughter, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his brother Joseph Burke

The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Ellen Memorial Health Care Center for their outstanding care and compassion not only to Bruce but to his wife also.

Cremation took place at Lake Region Crematory, Lake Ariel.

A Memorial Service Celebrating Bruce’s Life will be held Saturday at Noon in the Tabernacle Bible Church, 455 Grove St. Honesdale, Pa. A luncheon will follow at 1 p.m.

Friends may call from 11 a.m. until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Child Evangelism Fellowship, 461 Grove Street, Honesdale, Pa 18431.