William J. Burke, Jr., 83, of Tucson, AZ and formerly of Pawtucket, RI and Smithfield, RI, passed away on October 21, 2023 at his home in Tucson, AZ surrounded by his family. William was born and raised in Butler, PA. He graduated from Xavier University in 1962 and received his Juris Doctor law degree from Georgetown University Law School. Bill spent the entirety of his law practice in Rhode Island in a career that spanned over fifty-three years and was a fixture at his Pawtucket office and court rooms across the state. A quiet man of measured words, he commanded the ears and attention in the halls of justice, as his fellow attorneys and courtroom judges can attest. His unwavering work ethic and dedication to his practice were hallmarks of his devotion to help others in their time of need.

Following his successful law career in Rhode Island, Bill spent the last four years in Saddlebrooke, AZ overlooking the Catalina Mountains and cherishing his desert mountain views. He continued his spirit of giving by volunteering at organizations in Oro Valley, AZ including the Golden Goose Thrift Shop and Kid's Closet. Bill enjoyed all of the time he could spend with his grandchildren as they grew up and was a fixture at countless games, recitals and trips to the Arizona Desert Museum.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary; his son Patrick and wife Katie, of Wellesley, MA; his daughter, Maureen, of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; his son Michael and wife Maureen, of Mansfield, MA. He also leaves four grandchildren: Nolan Burke, Lauren Burke, Grace Burke and Maddie Burke, as well as his sisters, Kathleen Burke of Amherst, MA, Patty Dorfield of Renfrew, PA and her husband, Scott. He was predeceased by his sister, Joanne Galardy of Pittsburgh, PA.

Relatives and friends are welcome to attend visiting hours for Bill at Manning-Heffern-O'Neill Funeral Home, 220 Cottage St., Pawtucket, RI on Wednesday, December 20th from 4:00-6:00 PM, with his memorial service to begin at 6:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bill's memory to either the Alzheimer's Association (Alz.org) or the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org).

A special thank you on behalf of the Burke Family to Gentiva Hospice of Tucson, AZ.