Gerald W. Burke

Gerald “Fuzzy Face” William Burke November 5, 1937 — September 10, 2025

Gerald “Jerry” William Burke, 87, of Austinburg, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 10, 2025, at the Ashtabula County Medical Center.

Born on November 5, 1937, Jerry was the son of William J. and Anastasia (Pomaszczynska) Burke. He dedicated his life to hard work, service, and family. He was married to the love of his life, Marlene Burke, for 56 years, and together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and community.

Jerry spent most of his years as a dairy farmer, pouring his heart into the land and animals he cared for. Following retirement from farming, he worked in maintenance at Western Reserve in Jefferson. His deep sense of service extended to his community, where he faithfully served as an Austinburg Township Trustee for 20 years and as First Assistant Chief of the Austinburg Volunteer Fire Department for 40 years. He was also a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau and Jefferson Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Though farming kept him busy, Jerry found time for fishing whenever he could. In later years, he discovered a passion for winemaking, which became his favorite hobby for over two decades. Known for his skill and resourcefulness, there was little he couldn’t fix or build.

Jerry’s sense of humor and servant-leader’s heart never masked his firm handshake or his fierce willingness to protect those he loved. He was a man of few words but filled with incredible knowledge and an even greater gift for teaching others what he knew. His ornery grin, contagious laugh, and quick wit lit up every room he entered. He never knew a stranger and touched countless lives with his warmth, generosity, and strength of character.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Marlene; daughter, Shara (Ben) Reigle; granddaughter, Paisley Evans; step-grandchildren, Alyana Reigle and Brody Reigle; and many extended family members and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters, Irene Teresk, Gertrude Podemski, and Dolores Chmielowiec; and two brothers, Harry Burke and Ed Burke. Jerry will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his legacy of service, love, laughter, and wisdom will live on in those he leaves behind.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, September 16th from 4-7 p.m. at Fleming & Billiman Funeral Home, 49 W Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH 44047. Service will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, September 17th at 10 a.m. at Fleming & Billman Funeral home. Burial will follow at Austinburg Center Cemetery in Austinburg. A luncheon will follow at Clay Street Grill.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Austinburg Volunteer Fire Department, honoring Jerry’s 40 years of dedicated service.

Fleming & Billman Funeral Home, 49 W Jefferson Street, Jefferson, OH 44047 is handling the arrangements. www.fleming-billman.com

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