Walter E. Burke, 93, of Allentown, passed away Wednesday, July 24, 2019, after a long-standing illness.  He was the husband of the late Martha (Kraynak) Burke.

Born in Ilion, NY he was a son of the late Louis and Muree (Bronner) Burke.

He was employed for 21 years as an engineer at AT&T in Allentown leading up to his retirement.  Previously, he worked as a research scientist and supervisor at Cities Service Research and Development Co., Cranbury, NJ.  Prior to that he was employed as a petroleum chemist at the M.W. Kellogg Co., Jersey City, NJ.

Walter attended the Illinois Institute of Technology as a Naval V12 student during WWII where he served in the US Navy.  He graduated cum laude from Syracuse University with a liberal arts major in chemistry.  He holds a patent on an X-ray spectrographic procedure, and was the co-author of several scientific papers.  While employed full time and into retirement he built and remodeled numerous homes and apartments on his own - often with just minimal support from contractors.

Surviving are sons, Tom (Jeanne), James, Mark and Brent; and a granddaughter, Emily (Kenny) Stack.  His brother Morrell and Gerald predeceased him.

Friends and family may call Monday, July 29, from 9 - 10 a.m. with services held at 10 a.m. in the Pearson Funeral Home, 1901 Linden Street, Bethlehem, followed by burial in Holy Saviour Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to www.pearsonfh.com.