Thomas Michael Burke

Thomas Michael “Mike” Burke passed away suddenly on September 6, 2026. Michael was a Vietnam War veteran, educator, fisherman, and poet, but above all a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, cousin, uncle, and friend.

Michael and his wife, Janet, celebrated 55 years of marriage in July. Together they raised three children, Brian, Tim, and Kerry, of whom Michael was outspokenly proud. Their family grew with daughters-in-law Caroline and Kellie and 10 loving grandchildren: Krista, Taylor, Morgan, Milo, Charlotte, Drew, Cooper, Isla, Shane, and Parker.

Family was the center of Michael’s life.

Many of his happiest memories were made on the water, sharing stories and spending time with the grandchildren and watching them grow. He shared with them his love of boating and fishing.

Michael served three years in the United States Army, including a year in Cu Chi, Vietnam, from May 1966 to May 1967 with the 25th Infantry Division, “Tropic Lightning.” He was awarded a Bronze Star and many other military commendations.

After returning home, Michael completed college and spent more than 30 years teaching special education at Duxbury High School. This calling was inspired by a lifelong bond with his younger brother Joseph, who had Down syndrome and lived a joyful and loving 64 years.

Later in life, Michael found peace and renewed purpose in his Vietnam experience through reflection, learning, and connecting with others touched by the war. From his own transformation, he became dedicated to ensuring fellow veterans felt seen, heard, and remembered. He was active in the Marshfield veterans community, a Trustee of VFW Post 1822 in Plymouth, and Commander of the Vietnam Veterans’ “Welcome Home” Float, accompanying a life-size Huey helicopter to community events to give veterans the welcome home they never received.

Michael also found a voice in poetry. His poem “Particles II,” a vivid account of his time in Cu Chi, was published in a Vietnamese anthology in 2021. `

Michael’s legacy lives on in his family, friends, the veterans he honored, his poetry, and the fish that got away. He will be remembered above all for bringing people together and for how deeply he loved his family.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. and will conclude with a Funeral Service at 4:00 p.m. at the MacDonald Funeral Home, 1755 Ocean Street in Marshfield. Family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home on Monday, September 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon and join in the funeral procession to Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, where Michael will be laid to rest with full Military Funeral Honors at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to the Marshfield Veterans Services, in person or by mail to 870 Moraine Street, Marshfield, MA 02050.

For online guest book, driving directions and other helpful information please visit the website macdonaldfuneralhome.com