Burke O. Trafton

Burke Osgood Trafton, 87, of Bleecker Street, New York, NY, died peacefully on March 31, 2022 at Brooklyn Hospital after a period of failing health. 

Burke was born on May 21, 1934 to Carroll and Elizabeth (Osgood) Trafton in York, ME.

He spent his childhood on Chases Pond with his brothers and sisters: Norman, Marilyn, Eppie, Wayne, and Garry. 

Education was very important to Burke. He graduated 2nd in his class of 1952 from York High School. Upon his graduation he attended Bates College, and then the Colorado School of Mines. Following his graduation, he served 2 years in the Army where he surveyed the desert in Libya. After the army,  he continued his education at Penn State where he graduated with a masters degree in geology. During this time, he met many lifelong friends from all over the world who he remained in touch with throughout his life. 

Burke worked a variety of jobs over his career including in the oil business and in several banking positions from VP of the bank of NY, to a stockbroker on Wall Street. Before his retirement he worked at Sarajo, a gallery specializing in antique textiles.

Burke called NYC home for the past 50+ years. He enjoyed visits and was always willing to show family and friends around his adopted home. Burke's home was always York, Maine, but especially Chases Pond where he and his siblings grew up. He visited several times each year up until the pandemic, hanging out with family and enjoying a Flo dog and a Moe’s Italian sub. 

He was predeceased by his parents, a sister Marilyn (Trafton) Small and brother Wayne Trafton. He is survived by his brothers Norman Trafton of WI, Garry Trafton of York, and his sister Ethel Trafton Demchak of FL. The Family would like to thank his loyal friends who have taken such good care of him, especially Yosi Barzilai and Alex Pierre who were by his side through the last few months. 

A graveside service will be held at the First Parish Cemetery on April 9, 2022 at 1:00 pm for his friends and family, where he will be buried beside his brother and two sister in-laws.

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