Peter W. Burkinshaw “Burkie” formally of West Roxbury passed away at home in South Yarmouth, on December 6th after a hard-fought battle against cancer, he was 72. Peter was the son of the late Walter C. and Regina E. Burkinshaw (Byrne) formally of Braintree and South Yarmouth. Peter was born in Boston and grew up in Dorchester and Braintree. He attended St. Ambrose, Sacred Heart, and Braintree schools, graduating from Newman Prep. Peter joined his father’s meat packing business for several years. Following his father’s death, Peter changed careers and began working on large project construction. He worked on the Central Artery/Tunnel Project “Big Dig,” Norfolk County Courthouse, Tobin and Zakim Bridges and many other projects. Peter was a crane engineer and heavy equipment operator. He was a proud member of the Massachusetts Laborer’s Union, Local 223 in Dorchester.

Following his retirement Peter moved to South Yarmouth to help care for his mother. Peter was an avid fisherman and loved the sea and the outdoors. He would want us all to watch the sunrise and sunset, preferably at the beach, and to take it easy.

Peter is predeceased by his parents, “Buddy” and “Jeanie,” sister Regina Burrows formally of Scituate and nephew Cameron Haig, formally of Marstons Mills. Peter is survived by his sisters, Ann O’Sullivan of Sagamore Beach and Mary Burkinshaw of Marstons Mills, nieces and nephews, Meaghan, Sarah, Christopher and Conor and great niece and nephews, Aidan, Phoebe, Ethan, and William.

In honor of Peter’s memory please consider donating to The Gavin Foundation, So. Boston, www.gavinfoundation.org/donate or the Animal Rescue League of Boston. A celebration of Peter’s life will be held at a later date.

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