November 25th, 2024 by WCBC Radio

Terrence Burke, 93, of Cumberland, Md., passed away at home on Nov. 21, 2024, surrounded by loved ones. He was born on April 6, 1931, to the late Robert and Mary (Gaughan) Burke. In addition to his parents, Terry was preceded in death by his wife, Jean (Bittinger); and his cousins, Jack Wambaugh and Ann Dicken.

Terry served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was stationed on the Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Yorktown aircraft carriers. Terry was very proud of his military service and enjoyed attending ship reunions over the years. He worked several careers throughout his life. While attending and after graduation from Frostburg State University, he began work at the Cumberland Times-News. His paper assignments included managing a "travel" page which sponsored many trips for Cumberland residents and inspired he and Jean to travel. After twenty years at the paper, he made a career change to financial services and became a certified broker until his retirement in 1995. Terry enjoyed meeting and visiting his clients.
He was a faithful and lifelong member of Saint Mary's Church. Growing up in South Cumberland, he served the church as an altar boy in his youth and often shared stories of being "on call" when the church needed him as he lived close by. He and Jean were married in 1952 and issued a wedding invitation via newspaper as Terry was uncertain of when his military leave would start. They were married for 52 years and enjoyed traveling, especially cruising to warm weather places such as the Caribbean and Mexico. After Jean's death, Terry found companionship with Mary Ruddell and the two enjoyed cruising and frequent trips to Deep Creek Lake.
Surviving are his companion, Mary Ruddell; and special friends, Brian, Chargenia and daughter, Brianna Kelly. Grateful appreciation is extended to the caring hands of Terry's special Comfort Keepers caregivers as well as the grace, dignity, and kindness by UPMC-Western Maryland Hospice care (Kerri, Dr. Mary Ann Riley, Kris, and Theresa) over the last years of his life. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 25, 2024, at Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 108 Virginia Ave., Cumberland. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m., with Father Mark Carter officiating. Military honors will be accorded American Legion Post 13 Veterans Honor Guard. Burial service at Rocky Gap Veterans Cemetery, Flintstone, will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to UPMC-Western Maryland Hospice, 1050 W. Industrial Blvd Ste 19, Cumberland, MD 21502-4331 or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be left at: www.ScarpelliFH.com.