Joseph A. Burke

Joseph A. Burke, 70, of Bedminster, beloved husband, father, and grandpop passed peacefully at his home on Thursday, December 16, 2021. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Joseph A. Burke and Dorothy Sholtz Burke, and the step son of the late Stephen Ranson of Chalfont, PA. Joseph is survived by his beloved wife Patricia of 49 years, and sons Brian Burke of Perkasie, and Sean Burke, husband of Danielle Burke of Elizabethtown. Also surviving are his grandchildren Ethen, Owen, and Sean, Jr. along with his siblings Bill, husband of Marlene Burke, Elaine, wife of Lou Conley, and Gary, husband of Gustine Burke. Joe spent the entirety of his professional career in sales, over thirty of them as owner and operator of Zenith Graphics. Recently, he found passion and enjoyment working for family as a notary for Principle Abstract. However, everyone recognized Joe as the Official Santa Claus of the Doylestown area and, most notably, the face of the New Hope and Ivyland Railroad’s North Pole Express’ “Santa Steam Engine,” for more than 10 years. His passion was bringing joy to children, creating the authenticity of Santa, forging lasting memories for children and parents alike. Not a day went by in the later years of his life, where friends and strangers would call him not by Joe, but Santa. Santa would greet them with not a hello, but a Ho Ho Ho. Throughout his time, he took pride in the appearance of the gardens and beauty of his homes landscape, was a friend to all the birds that visited his numerous feeders, but did not extend the same kindness to the deer of Bedminster. Joe was a leader and mentor for his friends in MDM, and various self-improvement and support groups. He has left behind a legacy of generosity, selflessness, and described by most as “the nicest person they have ever met.” Family & Friends are invited to his viewings 5-7 PM, Sunday December 26, 2021 at Scanlin-McDonald Funeral Home, 175 E Butler Ave, Chalfont, PA and 10-11 AM, Monday, December 27, 2021 at St. Jude Church, 321 West Butler Ave, Chalfont, PA where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM. Interment will follow at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Kitnersville. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent in Joe’s memory to: Bucks County Toys for Tots, PO Box 149 Milford Square, PA 18935.