Tom Burke, retired Luzerne Co. judge, was selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival.
Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch
Retired Luzerne Co. Judge Tom Burke is shown with his wife Peggy and their 11 grandchildren. Judge Burke is the 2025 Grand Marshal of the 2025 West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival.
Submitted photo
WEST PITTSTON – Retired Luzerne County Judge Thomas F. Burke, Jr. has been selected as the 2025 Cherry Blossom Festival Grand Marshal.
“I couldn’t be more grateful than to be honored by this organization in the town in which I grew up and the town in which I have raised my own family,” Judge Burke said. “The people who deserve enormous credit are the many volunteers who have sustained the West Pittston Cherry Blossom Festival over 54- years.
“It’s those people, that don’t get all the credit, they don’t get a lot of accolades, but they are there to make things happen for the betterment of the community, and that’s a wonderful, wonderful thing for us living in a town that has that kind of spirit,” Judge Burke continued. “The festival has become a major part of our town’s heritage and a proud tradition.”
Judge Burke and his immediate family have had the good fortune to live across the street from the riverbank to enjoy the splendor of the cherry blossom trees each spring.
Over his professional lifetime, Judge Burke has had a distinguished career in Pennsylvania’s legal and civic spheres, marked by decades of service, leadership, and community involvement.
Born in West Pittston, Judge Burke graduated summa cum laude from West Pittston High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in finance from Lehigh University in 1968 and a Juris Doctor from Villanova University School of Law in 1973.
Between his undergraduate and law studies, Burke served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War from 1969 to 1971, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for meritorious service.
Following law school, Burke practiced law with his brother Joseph at the firm of Burke & Burke from 1973 to 1998.
His judicial career began in May 1998 when Gov. Tom Ridge appointed him to the Luzerne Co. Court of Common Pleas. He was unanimously confirmed by the Pennsylvania Senate and subsequently elected to a full 10-year term in 1999, with retention in 2009. In 2010, he was named President Judge of the court.
Judge Burke’s tenure was marked by his commitment to justice and mentorship. Notably, he administered the oath of office to Sam Sanguedolce twice: first as an assistant district attorney and later as district attorney, highlighting Burke’s lasting influence on the county’s legal community.
Beyond the courtroom, Burke has been deeply involved in community service. He served as chairman of the board of trustees at Marywood University, receiving its Presidential Medal in 2004.
His leadership extended to roles with the Greater Pittston Chamber of Commerce, Catholic Social Services of Wyoming Valley, and the Luzerne Foundation.
He was honored, in 2017, as “Man of the Year” by the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick.
Approaching the mandatory retirement age, Burke expressed his willingness to continue serving if the age limit were extended. Ultimately, he retired, leaving behind a legacy of judicial excellence and community service.
Judge Thomas F. Burke, Jr.’s career reflects a profound dedication to law and community, making him a respected figure in Luzerne County and beyond.
Judge Burke and his wife, Margaret (Peg), are the parents to five children: Tom, Bill, Margy, Katey, and Patrick, as well as 11, soon to be 12, grandchildren.
They are active members of their parish community, participating in various ministries and hosting international students since 1992.
