People who knew Father Joseph Burke, SJ, only in his later years at Campion Health Center in Weston, Massachusetts, would probably be surprised by his earlier, more active, years in New York City (1978-1987) and in Buffalo (1971-1973, 1997-2018). During his stays in these two cities, Joe was a busy and effective teacher and administrator at Canisius High School in Buffalo, Xavier High School in New York City, and supervisor at the New York center for Boys Hope. It is possible to trace an evolution in his ministry in secondary schools to ministry to young adults at Canisius College and Christ the King Seminary in the Buffalo Diocese.
From an early age, Joe related to others comfortably and hospitably. His fellow students at St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City elected him class officer four years in a row and president of the Student Council in his senior year. His commitment to friendships stayed with him as shown by his lasting relationships with Fr. Walter “Skip” Conlan, SJ, of Campion Center and with Daniel Blankmeyer. Skip Conlan “adopted” him into his own family, often driving Joe to favorite places in his childhood. Joe loved the beauty of nature, particularly enjoying the vistas at the Conlan lake cottage.
After consultation with Jesuit superiors, Joe decided to develop further his pastoral skills. In 1990, at the ripe age of 44, Joe began doctoral studies in Counseling Philosophy at Fordham University. With the degree in hand, he became professor of Counseling Psychology and therapist at Canisus College. From 2012-2018, he taught counseling at Christ the King Seminary. His was an independent voice, occasionally helping a seminarian discern opportunities for Church service other than ordained priest. He was proud of bringing his Ignatian spirituality to the Diocese of Buffalo, helping the deacons gain familiarity with the Spiritual Exercises and introducing them to the daily Examen.
Joseph F. Burke was born in Jersey City, New Jersey, on November 7, 1946, the son of Joseph F. Burke, Sr. and Ellen V. (Kearns) Burke. He was predeceased by his brother James and survived by his sister-in-law Nancy (Bernero) Burke, and by his loyal friend, Daniel Blankmeyer.
Joe attended St. Peter’s Prep in Jersey City in 1960-1964, entering the Society of Jesus in 1964 immediately after graduation. He did his novitiate at St. Andrew on Hudson, philosophy studies at Shrub Oak, New York, regency at Canisius High School, and theology at the Jesuit School of Theology in Chicago. Joe was ordained priest 1n 1978 by Cardinal Terence Cooke in the Fordham University Chapel.
Unusually, Joe took a two-year leave of absence from the Society after his first year of theology studies in Chicago. He explained his reasons in his Oral History: “It had nothing to do with the loss of faith or anything like that. I just wanted to have the experience of dating, and that’s basically what it was. I was encouraged to take that leave. . . I had the experience of living on my own and dating, which was a good thing.”
After years at Canisius College and Christ the Kint, Joe’s health began to decline. In 2018, he moved to Campion Center. His life became quiet, allowing him time to indulge his lifelong habit of voracious reading. Joe read everything he could get his hands on, becoming famous (or notorious) at Campion for occasionally bringing the library to his room.
Illness confined him to a wheelchair and to meals in his room rather than in the dining room. Limits on his social life burdened him, given his social instincts and desire for friendship. His last weeks were difficult, spent in the hospital where he died from heart disease on September 24, 2025.
Click here to light a Virtual Candle in memoriam of the life and legacy of Fr. Joseph F. Burke, SJ.
