Dennis J. Burke, 80, of Orefield, died Sept. 17, 2022, surrounded by his loving family in his home.

He and his wife, Barbara M. (Homko) Burke, shared 54 years of marriage.

Born May 12, 1942, in Baltimore, Md. he was the son of the late William P. Burke Sr. and Elinor (Runyan) Markewicz.

A graduate of Newport Township High School, he attended Lehigh Carbon Community College.

He faithfully and honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War era.

A Trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police, Troop M, Bethlehem, he served 25 years, until retiring in 1992.

He remained an active member of the Fraternal Order of Police.

An avid trapshooter, he participated in numerous trapshooting competitions throughout the area and in other states.

He was a long time member and past president of the North End Rod and Gun Club, and the Lehigh Valley Trapshooters League, where he served as president for 14 years.

He was also a member of the Amateur Trapshooters Association.

A devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, in his free time, he enjoyed going to the beach, baking cakes, watching his grandchildren play sports, and driving his red Corvette.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by a daughter Christine M. Thomas (Randy) of Fogelsville; brother William P. Burke, Jr. (Carol) of Bowie, Md.; grandchildren Erika M., Devin S. and Cara M. Thomas; one niece; and several nephews.

He was predeceased by his brother, James E. Burke.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Sept. 22 in Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., 4906 Route 309, Schnecksville, with the Rev. Russell Campbell officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects 10-11 a.m. Thursday in the funeral home.

Military honors will conclude the service at the funeral home. Interment will be private.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army or to The Sanctuary at Haafsville, both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.