Lawrence "Larry" Burke, 89, of Saratoga Springs, New York, passed away peacefully at home on November 1, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, just as he wished.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Woodside, Queens, Larry graduated from Iona College in 1958. He proudly served in the United States Army from 1958 to 1964 before embarking on a long and distinguished career at Grumman Aerospace. He took great pride in his contributions to some of America's most remarkable achievements in aviation and space exploration, particularly his work on the Lunar Module, which helped carry astronauts to the moon, and the legendary F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft.

While Larry was proud of his professional accomplishments, the true measure of his life was found in the relationships he built and the people he loved. A natural storyteller with a wonderful sense of humor, Larry had a gift for making friends wherever he went. He especially loved telling a good, long story, often one his family had heard a hundred times before. But that never stopped him from telling it again, with the same enthusiasm, familiar details, and unmistakable Larry charm.

At the center of Larry's life was his beloved wife of 66 years, Gloria. Together, they raised three children in Miller Place, NY and built a life rich in family, friendship, laughter, and love.

Larry and Gloria spent many happy years at their summer home on Torsey Pond in Maine, where they welcomed countless family members and friends. Their home was a gathering place, filled with good company, lively conversation, shared meals, and memories that will be treasured for generations.

Larry spent the last 26 years of his life in Saratoga Springs. He particularly loved spending a day at the Saratoga Race Course with family and friends, enjoying the excitement of the races and, perhaps even more, the camaraderie and stories shared along the way.

Larry is survived by his devoted wife, Gloria; his three children, Mary Anne Burke, Dianne Burke (Mark Foti), and Christopher Burke (Sara-Mae); his five beloved grandchildren, Lauren Peetz (Tyler), Ethan Foti, Grace Foti, Anne Burke, and Griffin Burke; and his two great-grandchildren, Mallory and Gavin Peetz. Larry also leaves behind his four nieces who he deeply loved and many cousins.

Larry lived a full life, marked by remarkable accomplishments, enduring friendships, and an abiding love for his family. He will be remembered for his humor, his stories, and his ability to make a friend wherever he went.

Though his family and friends will miss his presence dearly, they will carry forward the laughter, stories, and memories he so generously shared. And whenever one of those familiar stories is told again, a little bit of Larry will be there.

A celebration of Larry’s life will be held for family and friends at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital or Community Hospice of Saratoga in his memory.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com