Kenneth Burke, 70, of Chandler, Arizona passed away on March 16, 2022 at Brookdale Springs Assisted Living in Mesa, Arizona after a long struggle with many health issues.

Kenneth was the son of Jesse & Fanny (Bryant) Burke.  He was born on May 12, 1951 in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Predeceased by his mother: Fanny Louise Burke, passed in 2000, father: Jesse Burke, passed in 1974, brother: Leroy Richard Haley, passed in 1998, and brother-in-Law:  Mark A. Gaudet

Survived by his Wife of 37 years:  Arleen (Gaudet-Courtney) Burke, brother:  Charlie Haley, sister:  Diana Burke, brother:  Allen Burke, step-sons:  Jonathan Courtney and his wife Nancy (Sanborn) Courtney of Pownal, Maine; and Daniel Courtney and his wife Hope (Keaton) Courtney of Middleton, New Hampshire, sisters-in-Law:  Norma (Gaudet) Conlogue;  Anne (Gaudet) Colucci; Claire (Gaudet) Garvey; Marie (Gaudet) Flaherty; Helene (Gaudet) Porter, brothers-in-Law:  Arnold Gaudet; Leo Gaudet; Claude Gaudet; Paul Gaudet; James Gaudet; and John Gaudet.

He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 13 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren and dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces and great nephews, and his beloved Chihuahua, Chaquita.

His true destiny until his last breath was to be a UNITED STATES MARINE. He was, and shall forever be a UNITED STATES MARINE.

He was especially proud of his military service and always wore his Vietnam Veteran hat displaying various military pins and the American Flag.  He had a background in Security Management and would teach his grandchildren and great-grandchildren to notice their surroundings and the small details in many situations.

Family was important to him and he enjoyed visits from his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  He loved to barbecue for family and friends and his barbecued ribs were his specialty.  He rose to the occasion at family gatherings with a bountiful display of his cuisine for all to consume.  Rarely were there any leftovers!

Raised in Cincinnati, OH his military career brought him to Portsmouth, NH where he met his wife, Arleen.  Seeking a warmer climate, they moved near Cypress Gardens, Florida.  The hurricanes in 2004 destroyed their home and subsequently they moved to Arizona.

Ken enjoyed hiking the Arizona Petrified Forest, Painted Desert, climbing up to Hole in the Rock at Papago Park and visiting the Phoenix Zoo, especially during the annual Zoolights festivities.

He was a Mason of the Masonic Triple 8 Travelers Lodge.

His last years were difficult for him having many medical issues which he bravely battled until his last breath.

He will be missed by all that knew him.

Funeral service will be held at the Peaslee Funeral Home, 24 Central Street in Farmington, NH on Saturday April 23, 2022 at 11am with interment to follow at Pine Grove Cemetery in Farmington with Military Honors and presentation of the American Flag.

To express condolences, please visit: www.peasleefuneralhome.com