Some 900 people, including hundreds of State Police and other law enforcement officers, filled St. Luke Church in Toms River Jan. 7 for the Mass of Christian Burial for Major Jeffrey (Jeff) A. Burke, of Ortley Beach and Allentown.
Major Burke, a New Jersey State Police officer, died Dec. 31, 2024, after a battle against cancer he contracted while serving in the line of duty in response to the World Trade Center terrorist attacks. He was 51.
“Major Burke served with distinction for 26 years, embodying courage and commitment,” the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General posted on social media.
Father Michael Kennedy, St. Luke pastor, served as homilist and celebrated the Mass, which was also attended by state officials, including Gov. Phil Murphy and Col. Patrick Callahan, State Police superintendent, who spoke following the Mass.
PHOTO GALLERY: Funeral Mass for Major Burke
The Mass was concelebrated by priests of the Archdiocese of Newark and Byzantine Catholic Church; Father Jarlath Quinn, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help-St. Agnes Parish, Atlantic Highlands, and Father Stephen Sansevere, who serves on the diocesan Blue Mass Committee, which honors law enforcement. Father Sansevere, himself a former law enforcement officer, is also pastor of three Mercer County parishes.
Burke’s illness was believed to be attributed to his time responding to the aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks – a risk assumed by many first responders who worked at Ground Zero amid the smoking debris. As of December 2023, 6,781 of those who were registered with the World Trade Center Health Program have died from an illness or cancer linked to their time near or at Ground Zero after 9/11.
“His commitment to helping after 9/11 reflects the seeds of faith planted in high school,” Father Kennedy said. In his homily, he referenced the Eucharistic Prayer, in which “life is changed, not ended. Christ has overcome death … We still grieve, but we know this isn’t the end.
“Our task is to pray for them,” he continued, “and if they are already in heaven, God can use our prayers for something else – he doesn’t waste our love.”
The State Police Pipe and Drum Corps played “Amazing Grace” as the Mass concluded; outside, a police helicopter flyover and 21-gun salute honored Major Burke’s sacrifice.
When Father Sansevere was asked how he views Major Burke’s service in light of the Catholic faith, he pointed to Jesus’ words.
“We all know the Scripture verse ‘there is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,’” he said. “Police officers live this possibility every day, and when they make the ultimate sacrifice, it is not only for friends, but also for their community: people whose faces and names they never knew. Yet, those like Major Jeff Burke make this sacrifice and bravely lead the way for all of us.”
Life of Sacrifice
The State Police Pipes and Drums play “Amazing Grace” at the funeral conclusion. Mike Ehrmann photos
Major Burke grew up in North Arlington, graduating from Queen of Peace High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Stockton University and a master’s degree in human resources from Seton Hall University, South Orange.
Dedicating his life to serving and protecting others, Major Burke began his law enforcement career with the New Jersey Transit Police before embarking on a distinguished 26-year tenure with the New Jersey State Police (NJSP) as a member of the 118th State Police Class.
Throughout his career, he worked in the Operations and Investigations Branches, earning respect and distinction for his service. During his final assignment as the Major and Commanding Officer of the Intelligence & Criminal Enterprise Section, he expanded vital partnerships across federal, state and local agencies. His expertise in counterterrorism and sophisticated criminal organizations was widely respected. He achieved several awards and accolades, including Certificates of Commendation and the New Jersey Attorney General’s Award.
Major Burke also championed community safety initiatives, coordinating security for the NJ Special Olympics annual Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights.
Beyond his career, Major Burke enjoyed being on the sidelines of his children’s field hockey, lacrosse and baseball games, at the beach or watching the New York Giants.
Major Burke is survived by his wife, Colleen Petty; daughter, Alexandrea; stepson, Jax; siblings, Lisa Rodgers (Frank), Kevin Burke (Karen), and Christine Derogatis (Gene); and in-laws, Ralph and Linda Petty; and his uncle, Chris Johnston (Fran), as well as several nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Kevin and Judith Burke.
Major Burke was interred alongside his parents in Ocean County Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Troopers United Foundation, which assisted Jeff during his illness: https://troopersunited.org/product/tuf-donation/. A Special Olympics fundraiser was also started in his memory at https://support.sonj.org/team/626813.