Thomas “Bones” Burke died unexpectedly on January 27, 2025 at Trinity Medical Center in New Port Richey, Florida.

Tom was born on February 4, 1947 in Brooklyn NY. He was the son of Thomas F. Burke and Lillian Schryver Burke, who predeceased him. He graduated from Hyde Park High School in 1965 and attended Dutchess Community College. He worked for Dutchess County Engineering Division as a Junior Civil Engineer until his retirement in 1998 and was most proud of his surveying and participation in the ADA Project for Dutchess County.

Tom had many interests and talents. He was a member of the snare drum line of the Hawthorne Caballeros and the Connecticut Hurricanes for eight years, playing in many parades and competitions over the Northeast. He played drums for several local bands. He was a good golfer, playing at College Hill in Poughkeepsie and, after his move to Florida, at Chi Chi Rodriquez’s in Clearwater, where he got his two holes in one. He went to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, and was an excellent cook, something his family and friends appreciated.  He was a longtime member of Mt. Carmel Sportsman Club, and had many close friends there. He loved cars and was a talented motorhead, able to fix almost anything. He collected stamps and gold coins.

With Barbara, he established Hickory Hollow Farm in Rhinebeck, and was a farmer, raising sheep and thoroughbred horses. He was a member of the New York Thoroughbred Breeders.  The “Farm” was a gathering place for friends and family to visit. Tom hosted many barbecues there and ran the Connecticut Croquet games. He indulged his passion for collector cars and antique tractors and developed a love for his dogs and cats which lasted throughout his life.When he moved to Florida, he continued his love of golf and cars, and started a new hobby of HO model trains. Tom’s life touched so many people. He will be remembered for his tender heart, good nature and kindness to everyone he met and will be mourned by all.

He is survived by his fiancée Barbara Sutton and her family; as well as his cousin, Susan Schryver.
He will be buried at St. James Cemetery, in the Schryver Family plot, next to his father and mother. Funeral arrangements are being made jointly by Dobies Funeral Home in Holiday, Fl and Sweet’s Funeral Home in Hyde Park NY.  Services are yet to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project.