Barbara Alliegro Burke was called home on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at the age of 97.

Barbara was born on June 10, 1929, in the Bronx, NY, the only child of Michael "Don" Alliegro and Eileen (Meany) Alliegro. She grew up in the Woodlawn section of the Bronx, where she enjoyed spending time with cousins and attending St. Barnabas High School.

Barbara graduated with a degree in English/Speech from the College of New Rochelle in 1950.  Summers were spent in Milford, Connecticut, where she met the love of her life, Dr. Addison James Burke, who, like Barbara, had grown up in Woodlawn. They married June 14, 1951 just after Dr. Burke graduated from medical school. Barbara and Jim settled in Garden City, where Barbara's life's work was raising their six children. The family spent many memorable summers at Sun and Surf Beach Club in Atlantic Beach before making Southold their summer home. 

Barbara's life was guided by her devotion to family, faith, and friends. She was a lector and an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and served for 60 years as a Rosarian at St. Joseph's Church in Garden City. She was devoted to the Blessed Mother and attended daily mass until she lost her sight.  

She was also a longtime, active member and former president of the Nassau County Medical Society Women's Auxiliary, and she gave generously of her time to charitable causes, including Meals on Wheels, delivering food to the elderly and less fortunate. Barbara was a member of Cherry Valley and North Fork Country Clubs during her life. She was an avid bridge player for decades, and her warmth, intelligence, and humor brought her a multitude of friends over her long life. Barbara was a voracious reader throughout her life, even when she lost her sight and had to utilize audiobooks. To the very end, she would quote classic poetry or eagerly discuss the recent books she had read. 

Barbara is predeceased by her parents, Michael Francis "Don" and Eileen Alliegro, and her husband of many years, Dr. Addison James Burke, who passed away in 1988. She is survived by her six children, James Addison (Frances) Burke, Michael Christopher (Mary-Helen) Burke, Joseph Lawrence (Jeanine) Burke, Stephen Robert (Carol) Burke, Lawrence Sean (Erin) Burke, and Barbara Ann (Christopher) DiCostanzo, along with her 17 grandchildren and 2 greatgrandchildren. 

We are forever grateful to the extraordinary caregivers who surrounded Barbara with warmth, dignity, and love; in particular, Elena Mercolisia who attended to Barbara in her final years. Elena didn’t just care for her, she became a trusted friend and true part of our family, and for that we are profoundly thankful. 

Visitation will be held Friday, August 14th from 2 to 4:30 pm and 7 to 9 pm at Fairchild Sons Funeral Home, Franklin Avenue, Garden City. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, August 15th at 9:45 am at St. Joseph's Church, Franklin Avenue, Garden City with burial at Holy Rood Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to the Andrew Heiskell Braille and Talking Book Library, a branch of the New York Public Library, or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.