Thomas Edward Burke III

1977 ~ 2021

Viewing:

July 28, 2021
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
LDS Chapel 3930 West 7875 South, West Jordan, UT 84088
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    July 28, 2021
    11:30 AM
    LDS Chapel 3930 West 7875 South, West Jordan, UT 84088
  • Directions to Service
  • THOMAS EDWARD BURKE III passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his home in Eagle Mountain, Utah on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. He was 44 years old. “Tommy” was born July 19, 1977 in Springfield, Massachusetts to George F. Burke II and WynJill Finau Burke-Tu’ifua. Tommy, known endearingly as Fatcat, spent his life all over the country but mainly in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Texas, California, and Utah.
    In his early years, Tommy was his older brother George’s shadow. But he eventually grew into his infectious, larger-than-life personality. Tommy loved to share his various talents! As a young man, he took to hip-hop culture which gave him the opportunity to express himself through both art and music. He was a rapper (truly a lyrical genius), a writer, painter, woodworker, graphic designer—a master creator.
    Tommy was always the funniest person in the room, regularly leaving those around him in tears. He consistently went out of his way to make others (often more reserved than him) feel welcome and important. Tommy was also an unapologetic “Momma’s boy.” He loved his mother immensely, and reveled in being spoiled by her.
    Tommy served an honorable full-time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Denver, Colorado North Mission. He so loved his mission president, Myron Horne. Tommy later earned his Bachelor’s degrees in Business and Psychology at NC Wesleyan College and Master’s degree in Social Work at East Carolina University. He served as a Young Men’s President and was an influential mentor and youth leader, greatly impacting the lives of many.
    In 2016, Tommy married the love of his life, Farrah, who in his own words was “all [he] ever needed, wanted, and dreamed of.” His heart and world revolved around his beautiful children. Despite his many talents and opportunities, he prioritized his family and spent his life delighting in their happiness. His nieces and nephews lovingly referred to him as their “Uncle Favorite.”
    He is survived by his wife Farrah Cutler Burke and their ten children: Petiola Lomu (Finau; child: Moe), Poasi Manu (Tea; children: Farrah and Alice), Jaz Burke, Lanie Manu, Danny Manu, Luseane Burke, Mary Jane Manu, Mele Burke, Wynnie Burke, and Brooke Burke; his siblings: Kimberly Burke Flagg (Brett; children: Jason (Dallas; child: Araya), and Jade), Brooke Burke (children: Neriah, Sierra, Rain, Shaya), George Burke (children: Siaosi (Sam; children: Aiva, Ariel, Siaosi, and Tommy), Tommy Marie Meza (Nico; child: Kunu), and Kimmy), Teresa Kindrick (Juan; children: Etoni, Peyton, and Travis), Travis Tu’ifua (Yvonne; children: Olivia, Teise, and Teresa), Tatiana Finau (Soakai; children: Deuce, Alisi, Will, Melia, Mona, and Saula Joon), Alisi Mykel Outly, John Burke Craig (Maria; children: Isabella and Matthew), and Marlene McDowell (Roger; child: Paul (Sarena); grandchildren: McKenzie, Madison, and Maddox); and his mother WynJill Finau Burke-Tu’ifua and father Kamewa Tu’ifua. He is also survived by his countless cousins, aunts, and uncles; including his incredibly important father-figure, Sioeli Kauvaka (“Papa Joe”).
    Tommy lives on in our hearts until we meet again. For now, we take comfort in knowing he has reunited with many family members including his maternal grandparents Mele Tilini and Saula Finau; and his younger cousin Lenny Si’i Muckle.
    Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at the LDS chapel at 3930 West 7875 South, West Jordan, UT 84088. The family viewing will be from 8-11am, and the bishop’s service will be from 1130am-1230pm. Interment and graveside dedication will be held at the Sandy City Cemetery, 700 East 9000 South, Sandy, UT 84070 at 1pm. Wednesday’s funeral services will be live streamed by clicking on the watch services tab at the top right of the obituary. You must have a zoom account to watch the service.
    Please consider donating to the GoFundMe page created to help support Tommy’s wife and children: https://gofund.me/2e3c3465


    Guestbook/Condolences

    To the family of Mr. Burke,
    The Monday family sends our deepest condolences on your loss. May you find comfort and support with your many friends and family during this difficult time. We love you all!


    - Ken Monday

    My heart is so heavy to lose such a GREAT soul!! I just can't wrap my head around it. I pray the Lord will comfort each of you in this tremendous loss. As everyone spoke of Tom, he did walk like Jesus, loving everyone and making them feel important. To my wonderful friend, you raised a beautiful man, in which our Lord is well pleased. He had an extremely good role model and much support from his family. I thank God that he brought you all into my life, showing me what loving one another is all about. Until we meet again Tom, you will truly be missed and never forgotten. I love you all!!


    - Regina Cancasci

    I'm so sorry for you're loss Farrah 😥🌹


    - Ann Cummins

    I was so surprised and saddened to see Tommy’s picture on Fox News this morning. Tommy and I served our missions together and he was such presence. Tommy and I shared an apartment in Craig, Co for two months, and made so many fond memories. His larger-than-life personality was so infectious and he could make anyone feel so important. I’m terribly sorry for your loss, but so thankful to have known Tommy and to have known his goodness.


    - Adam Gibson

    So sorry for your loss.

    I can't believe I'm finding this out just now.

    Tommy took me under his wing back in '96 after I graduated high school (in AZ) and spent some time in Kinston with my grandparents.

    He really welcomed me and I have some fond memories still of driving around town as well as the Palmyra youth group trip.

    We even reconnected on Facebook about a decade back on an old account I had. After losing that account I couldn't find him again, and now this shocking news.

    Hopefully his passing was peaceful. He will be missed, and remembered fondly.


    - Chad