Robert D. "Bob" Burke , 73, of Glover and Winter Haven, Florida, died on Thursday, December 15, 2011, at the Good Shepherd Hospice House in Auburndale, Florida, with his wife Brenda by his side, following a brief illness. He was born January 18, 1938, in St. Johnsbury, the only child of Albert and Lois (Sheldon) Burke. Mr. Burke graduated from the St. Johnsbury Trade School as Valedictorian in 1956. He then began a 48-year career with the Sears & Roebuck Co. in St. Johnsbury where he started in the service station and then transferred into the store as a salesman. He was known as "Mr. Sears." Mr. Burke was definitely a New Englander and a fan of the Boston Red Sox, the New England Patriots, the Boston Celtics, and NASCAR racing. He spent many good years at his summer home on Shadow Lake in Glover where he enjoyed fishing and riding on his pontoon boat with his family and many friends. Every summer he looked forward to a get-together with his former co-workers from Sears. He had spent the last 7 years wintering in Winter Haven with Brenda enjoying the warmer climate and people there. He was known as the fix-it man and did any kind of work for anyone in need. He will be missed by many including those in Florida. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Brenda (Emery) Burke of Glover and Winter Haven; their two children: Robyn Baillargeon of St. Johnsbury, and David Burke and his wife, Judy, of Sheffield; three grandchildren: Jamie Warriner and her husband, James, of Center Barnstead, New Hampshire, Daniel Baillargeon and his wife, Meredith, of Lyndonville, and Christopher Burke of Sheffield; and two great-grandchildren: Abbygail Warriner and Lane Baillargeon. He was predeceased by his parents. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 21, at 3 p.m. at the Guibord Funeral Home in Lyndonville with Mr. John Sleeper officiating. Spring burial will be in Westlook Cemetery in Glover. Donations made in his memory may be directed to the Good Shepherd Hospice House, 105 Arneson Avenue, Auburndale, Florida 33823.