Dr. Robert S. Burke Jr. DDS, 69, of Defiance - loving husband, adoring father and proud grandfather - passed away Friday, March 29, 2013 in the St. Vincent Medical Center, Toledo after a 4-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
He was born September 5, 1943 in Paulding and was the son of Robert S. and Phyllis J. (Hoover) Burke.

Bob was an area resident for most of his life, graduating from Defiance High School in 1961. He graduated in 1965 from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology/Pre-Med.  In 1969 he graduated from The Ohio State University College of Dentistry. Robert joined his father's dental practice and worked for over 43 years until his death. His professional memberships included the Maumee Valley Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association and American Dental Association. Robert was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Defiance and a long time member of Kettenring Country Club. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, gardening, and cooking. Siesta Key, Florida and Intermediate Lake, Michigan were among his favorite places in the world to visit.

At home and in the community, Bob treated everyone like family.   At work he saw generations of patients and watched children become adults, parents, even grandparents.  He took an interest in people's lives and shared his own freely with others.  Patient's loved the family photos that covered his office walls documenting decades: his children's school photos, holidays, travels, family gatherings and candid moments at home.  He had the special ability to make a visit to the dentist feel friendly, familiar and just a little less scary.  Furthermore, he was honored by his employees with decades of faithful service.

Bob is survived by his wife of fifteen years Judith (Gibbs) Burke, his son Robert S. Burke III and wife Ilaria of San Francisco, CA, his daughter Jennifer Rinkes and husband David of Phoenix, AZ, his mother Phyllis J. Burke of Defiance, his step-son Jeffrey Walter and wife Mary of Defiance, his four grandchildren; Paige, Jackson, Lucas and Matteo.  He is also survived by his two brothers; Stephen H. Burke DDS and wife Christine Burke of Defiance, Michael R. Burke and wife Roberta of Naples, FL.

He was preceded in death by his father, Robert S. Burke DDS.

A Memorial service to celebrate Bob's life will be at 2:00pm Thursday, April 4, 2013 at the First Presbyterian Church, 501 Washington Ave., Defiance.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service starting at 1:00pm.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.