Timothy John Burke : Short Biography

Timothy John Burke was born at Killavarrig, Timoleague, Co Cork in March 1887 to John Burke and Hanna Burke (formerly Donovan).

In 1901, Timothy was living in Killavarig with his parents and seven siblings (Cornelius, Daniel, John, Jeremiah, Hanora, James, and Andrew). By 1911, he was working as a draper’s assistant and lived on Market Street in Listowel.

Timothy emigrated to the United States and arrived in New York on 21 Apr 1912 aboard the Celtic from Queenstown. The passenger record indicates that he was was a draper, that his most recent residence was Listowel, Ireland, and that upon arrival he was to join his brother James at 69 Church St in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Timothy signed naturalization papers in Pittsburgh on 13 Apr 1915. He listed his birthdate as 13 Apr 1888; place of birth as Kilivarig, Timoleague, Ireland; occupation as a bartender; current residence 1027 Bedford Avenue in Pittsburgh; last foreign residence as Listowel, Ireland, and arrival in the Port of New York on or about 20 Apr 1912 on the Celtic.

Tim married to Nellie Griffin in 1915. Nellie (born Helen) was the daughter of Daniel Browne Griffin and Elizabeth Power of Listowel. Tim and Nellie had no children. They were close with Nellie’s older brother William (Bill) and his family.

Tim worked as a bartender, a motorman, and a hospital attendant while living in Pennsylvania. His wife Nellie died in February of 1943 and Tim buried her in a grave at Calvary Cemetery in Pittsburgh that was purchased to hold two burials. But Tim moved back to Ireland sometime after Nellie’s death, and he died at the residence of his niece in April of 1955. He was buried in the cemetery adjoining the Timoleague Parish Church.

Some information from his death registration:
Timothy Burke, Convent Road, Clonakilty. 68, widower, hospital attendant (retired). Mary O'Donovan, Convent Road, Clonakilty, informant.

Death notice:
BURKE (Clonakilty)—On April 6 at the residence of his niece, Convent Road. Clonakilty, Timothy Burke late of Killvarig, Timoleague. Deeply regretted. R.I.P Funeral on this day (Friday) at 1 o’clock from Timoleague Parish Church to adjoining cemetery.