Obituary of Joshua John Burke

Joshua John Burke, 33 of Wellsville, formerly of Stockton, passed away Monday, Dec. 27, 2021 after he fought a long, difficult battle against addiction. Born Jan. 30, 1988 in Buffalo a son of John and Gloria Crossan Burke of Stockton; Josh was employed at Napoli Pizza of Wellsville and formerly at Nordi's, Cassadaga and E-One, Hamburg. He was a member of the Stockton Volunteer Fire Department for over 15 years. In 2013 Josh, along with his father and brother Justin, were awarded Fire Fighter of the Year by the Chautauqua County Fire Chiefs Association for heroically rescuing a couple from their car which was disabled and being swept away on a highway in Stockton by flood waters. He enjoyed hunting and riding his Harley Davidson. Josh was a kind soul who would help anyone. Husband of six years to Cheri Chelecki Burke of Wellsville who he married Aug. 13, 2015; brother of Justin (Lindsey) and Jeremy Burke; uncle of, Ollie and Quinn Burke all of Stockton; grandson of, Carol (late George) Crossan of Eden and Joseph (late Carol) Burke of Hamburg. Also survived by, aunts, uncles and cousins. This is not about crying for Josh. His battle has been waged. This is about opening our arms and heart to help the person(s) you may know struggling with addiction. Let's stop this epidemic that is cursing the young men and women of our communities. If we could just follow Josh's example on that rainy day, with feet firm on the ground, reach into the "flood waters" of addiction and try to pull someone out. Funeral service 4 p.m. Sunday in Jordan Funeral Home, Sinclairville with visitation beginning at 2 p.m. Please do not send flowers. Memorials to: Mountain Laurel Recovery Center, 355 Church St., Westfield, PA 16950.