Barbara Ann (Fanelli) Burke

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Barbara Ann Fanelli Burke on April 10, 2025. Born in Springfield, Pennsylvania on January 22, 1940, she was predeceased by her parents, Nuncy and Kate Fanelli, her brother John and her sister Elaine. She is survived by her beloved husband of sixty years, Donald C. Burke, her brother Thomas Fanelli (JoAnn), nephews Michael McHenry (Melanie), Robert Fanelli (Lori), Michael Fanelli (Jodie), Stephen Fanelli (Donna), Johnny Fanelli, nieces Suzanne Meehan, Jeanne-marie Fanelli, Denise Dommel and countless great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. 

Barbara’s life was marked by a life of love, service and dedication to her community. After her graduation from Springfield High School in 1958, she started her career at Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. She rose to the position of Technical Analyst assisting the underwriters and retired after thirty-six years. After retirement she devoted countless hours to the Springfield Historical Society, running the museum and writing and publishing a book on the township’s history. She took great pleasure sharing with visitors the collection of pictures and history of the township’s original farms and families. 

Barbara and Don, throughout their life together,were avid collectors of antiques, of which she had a vast knowledge. She also loved flowers, wearing festive jewelry and socializing with others. 

Barbara's warm and welcoming spirit, her unwavering commitment to her family, and her love for life's simple pleasures will be deeply missed. Her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Relatives and friends are invited for Visitation on Thursday, April 24 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at O’Leary’s Funeral Home Springfield Road, Springfield, PA and an hour of Visitation starting at 9:30am will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Ave., Springfield, PA, on Friday, April 25, followed by a Mass at 10:30. Interment at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family requests a donation to a charity of your choice.

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