Joshua L. J. Burke, 48, of Dorchester, MA passed away on August 1st at Portsmouth Regional Hospital after a period of declining health.

Joshua was born in Lawrence, MA, the son of the late Pauline (Quintal) and Raymond "Larry" Burke. He grew up in Salem, NH and graduated from Salem High School. Joshua attended Johnson and Wales University for culinary studies. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1995 until he was honorably discharged in 2001. During his 6 year military service, he served as a submariner on the USS Sand Lance, and was chosen to attend butler school and the Culinary Institute of the South.  He was a talented chef for the officers and received several commendations and Achievement Medals for his outstanding performance. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling the world. After his service to his country ended, he went into hospitality working in several Boston hotels. In addition to his enjoyment of cooking and traveling, Joshua loved his family, his community and Boston.  He was well known for his generosity. He had a quick wit and could always make tense situations light. Joshua had a commanding personality and owned whatever room he walked into, having everyone laughing within minutes.

Joshua will be sadly missed by his 8 siblings, Michael Burke of Salem, NH, Christopher Burke and his wife Linda of Goffstown, NH, Augustine Burke of Salem, NH, Justine Tussey and husband Brian of Salem, NH, Regina Howard of Manchester, NH, Elizabeth Dawson and husband Gregg of Salem, NH, Raymond Burke of Salem, NH and Lydia Burke and fiancé Alex Watson of Salem, NH, numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister-in-law.

Visitation will be Sunday, August 6th from 3:00 – 6:00 PM at Douglas & Johnson Funeral Home, 214 Main St., Salem, NH. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, August 7th at 10:30 AM at St. Joseph Church, 40 Main St. Salem, NH 03079. Burial will be private for the family.  In lieu of flowers, donations in Joshua's name may be made to:  Boston Living Center, 29 Stanhope St. Boston, MA 02116.

To send a message of condolence to the family, please view the obituary at www.douglasandjohnson.com