February 21, 2024

Longtime Newman Center benefactor George ‘Trigger’ Burke has died at 91

REGIONAL
By Stephen Kiltonic

(Catholic Communications file photo)

George “Trigger” Burke, longtime benefactor of the Newman Catholic Center and the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Amherst, died peacefully in his Quincy, Mass., home on Feb. 14. He was 91.

Burke was a respected and distinguished alumnus of UMass and became synonymous with the Newman Center on the UMass campus.
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., Burke was raised in Massachusetts and was a resident of Quincy for more than 80 years, attending local schools there.

Burke, who became known as “Trigger” because he rarely missed a shot, was a standout guard on the UMass basketball team from 1954-56. In 1956, he became the first Minuteman player to lead the team in scoring and assists in the same season. That year, Burke was a second-team All-America selection and was also named first team all-East, all-New England and all-Yankee Conference.

Burke held all UMass scoring records until they were broken by the legendary NBA star, Julius (Dr. J) Erving, who played for the Minutemen for two seasons from 1969-71. Burke’s jersey was retired to the rafters of the Mullin Center along with Erving’s, each of whom wore the same number 32. After his playing days at UMass were over, Burke went on to play one season with the Boston Celtics.

While athletics gave Burke instant recognition, he said it was his strong faith instilled from his mother, Ruth, that guided him throughout his life. In a 2013 interview with “Real to Reel,” Burke said of his mother, “She was just a wonderful woman but gave me the greatest gift I ever received in my life and that was my Catholic faith.”

Of UMass, Burke commented that he received “the greatest education ever and for just $50 per semester.” He was a member of the Newman Club in the 1950s with fellow teammate David Bartley before the Newman Center was even constructed. The Quincy native never forgot his alma mater and resurrected the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame, which is named in his honor, with a sizeable donation.

Burke received a juris doctorate from the Boston College Law School and had a very successful law career, practicing until he was 89. His public service career included a position on the Quincy City Council, Massachusetts state representative, acting mayor of Quincy and Norfolk County District Attorney.    

Burke received a Newman Award Medal in 2003 which, according to Father Gary Dailey, director of the Newman Center, honors individuals who “affected the ministry here at Newman in a whole variety of ways, whether it’s through their gifts or their service.”

In 2021, Burke donated $500,000 to assist in construction of the Newman Center’s new facility which opened in 2023. He worked tirelessly as the honorary chairperson for the Newman Center’s capital campaign, “Miracles Happen… when Heart speaks to Heart.”

The Newman Center acknowledged Burke’s generosity with the naming of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel in his honor. As chairperson, Burke said, “I encourage everyone to go to the Newman Center, be part of the Newman Center and make it part of your life.”

George “Trigger” Burke was predeceased by his wife, Sandra Jean Burke, and his two sisters, Joyce Welch and Marion Burke. He is survived by two siblings: John F. Burke Jr. and a sister, Kathleen; his five children; one great-grandchild and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral Mass will be held Feb. 26 in St. Anne Church in Quincy, with a burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, also in Quincy.