The Swellesley Report

Edward John “Ed” Burke of Wellesley, Massachusetts, passed away on November 25th, 2025, at the age of fifty-nine surrounded by his loving family.

Edward is survived by his wife of thirty-five years, Nicole Burke (Zinna); his three loving children, Kayla Lynch (and her husband, Jimmy Lynch), Nicolas Burke, and Brianna Burke; and his brothers, Daniel Burke (and his wife Marianne) and Michael Burke. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law Jodie Zinna, and his nieces and nephews: Lauren, Sean, and Paige (children of Daniel), and Caitlyn and Connor (children of Michael). Ed also held a very special place in his heart for the family dog, Sadie, his beloved golden retriever. He is predeceased by his parents, Joanna and Richard Burke; his mother and father-in-law Kay and John Zinna Sr.; and his brother-in-law, John Zinna Jr.

Ed was born and raised in Wellesley and continued raising his own family there until he retired to Hampton, New Hampshire, in 2020.

His greatest joy in life was spending time with his family. Ed grew up going to Hampton Beach with his parents and brothers, and as an adult, he continued the tradition of spending time at the family beach house with his wife, kids, and in-laws. He loved bringing them to the beach, body surfing the waves, and then going to the casino to play arcade games or even a night game of beach wiffle ball. Other highlights he enjoyed were the yearly summer brunch at the Old Salt, grabbing lobster rolls and big cups of ice cream at the Beach Plum, and trips to Water Country with his kids.

From a young age, Ed lived and breathed football. He started playing in the second grade and continued all the way through high school. He was very proud to be a Wellesley High “Red Raider” and loved to reminisce about the glory days of his football years. He loved watching football too. As a massive New England sports fan, Ed was a loyal fan of the New England Patriots and considered Tom Brady his “G.O.A.T.” player. He also enjoyed going to Bruins games with his brothers and kids and having fun in the Legends bar.

Music was a constant in Ed’s life. Whether he was just hanging out, doing yard work, working at his work bench or in the garage, fixing up his old Dodge Durango, he would always be listening to music. He particularly loved U2, Van Halen, Led Zeppelin, and the Who.

Another one of Ed’s greatest passions in life was his career. He began working in the funeral business with his esteemed grandfather, Henry, and later began a lengthy career in law enforcement as a proud corrections officer for Norfolk County Sheriff’s Office from 1994–2022. He always loved doing new things at work, which, among other accomplishments, landed him on the NCSO Special Response Team. Ed collected many accolades throughout his career, including recognition for responding to the Boston Marathon Bombing and his service in Louisiana in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. In his work, Ed made long-lasting friendships with his cherished coworkers, who gave him the long running nickname of “Burkie,” which he loved. Fishing trips, among other outings with his work friends, were some of Ed’s fondest memories. His steadfast commitment to helping others left a lasting impact on his children, each of whom chose careers in public service. His son Nicolas, in particular, became a police officer, inspired by the example set by his father.

Those who knew Ed knew his strength and determination. Throughout every challenge he faced in life, his fun-loving personality always remained the same and he was always able to put a smile on anyone’s face. No matter the circumstances, his cheerful personality and sense of mischief was always on full display. A cherished husband, father, brother, son and friend; Ed will be deeply missed by all who were lucky to know him. He will never be forgotten.

Visitation will be held at Henry J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 56 Washington Street, Wellesley Hills, MA, on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  A funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Church, 502 Washington Street, Wellesley, MA, on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. followed by interment in Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in honor of Edward Burke can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

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