Lawrence E. Burke, 54, beloved partner in life of Rob Sierzega, died Feb. 8 of liver cancer. Loving son of John and the late Mary Estelle Burke; brother of David (Terese) Burke; brother-in-law of Alexandra (Jerry) Dilley, Fred (Bernie) Sierzega and David Sierzega; uncle of Lisa, Molly and Kyle Burke, Diane (Zig) Gadziala, Sue (John) Schebler, Garrett Dilley and Brian (Ann) Sierzega; great-uncle to Camille and Eliza Gadziala, Olivia and Abigail Sierzega. And he leaves behind many other cherished relatives. Attended Leo High School; BS in Biology and MS ED in Education Administration from Illinois State University. Upon graduation, he taught Junior High Science and Geography in the Chicago area, worked at Illinois State University as an Administrator in the Student teaching office, worked at the Chicago Board Options Exchange, Capital Resources Advisors/SEI Corporation in Funds Evaluation, and retired from Marco Consulting Group as a Data Liaison. Larry’s love of music was extensive, from Lyric Opera in Chicago to Broadway shows in New York. He was an active member of the Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus for the past 18 years, singing lower Bass and acting as GALA coordinator. He was avid square dancer with Chi-Town Squares since 1993. His love of travel, especially via train (member of National Association of Railroad Passengers) took him to all parts of the US, Canada, Asia and Europe. His love of life, kind smile and gentle caring will be missed by his many friends whose lives he touched over the years. Memorial Mass at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 12, with a gathering at 6 p.m. at St. Bonaventure Church, 1641 W. Diversey Parkway, Chicago. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwestern University, Division of Hematology/Oncology, 676 N. St. Clair Street, Suite 850, Chicago, IL 60611; CGMC, 2936 N Southport, Suite 210, Chicago, IL 60657; Chi-Town Squares, PMB 167, 5315 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60626. Info, EwaldBarlock Funeral Home, 773-549-0098
