William F. "Billy" Burke, of Glendale, CA and formerly of West Hartford, died peacefully on October 21, 2014. Born to the late Thomas E. Burke and Theresa L. (Butenas) Burke on April 30, 1959 in Hartford, Billy grew up in Elmwood, attending school there and graduating from Conard High School in 1978. Billy enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served as a member of the flight crew aboard the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. After his honorable discharge from the service, he furthered his education by taking college courses in law enforcement. Billy worked in Connecticut in the courier, law enforcement and emergency services fields until he moved to Glendale, CA, approximately 15 years ago. There he pursued acting and standup comedy until his passing. Billy leaves his brother and sister-in-law, Edward and Susan Burke of South Glastonbury and their son, Toby, who was Billy’s favorite nephew. Billy also leaves his special stepmother, Nancy (Roy) Burke, along with many close relatives and friends. Calling hours are Thursday, November 6, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at the Sheehan-Hilborn-Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave, West Hartford, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. at St. Brigid Church, 1083 New Britain Ave, West Hartford. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CT Families for Effective Autism Treatment, CT FEAT, P.O. Box 370352, West Hartford, CT 06137.