Burke was born in
Toledo, Ohio where he attended St. Patrick's grade school and St. John's College.
Naval service After his formal education, he served in the
United States Navy as a pharmacist's mate from 1923 to 1927 and in the Naval Fleet Reserve from 1927 to 1939. He worked for the
Dana from 1928 to 1937 and was an official of
United Automobile Workers Union from 1938 to 1948.
Early political career Burke was a member of the
Ohio House of Representatives in 1941 and 1942. He also served as a member of Toledo city council from 1944 to 1948. He was vice mayor of Toledo in 1948. ==Congress ==