Former Warwick Chief of Staff Edmund Burke Sarno Dies at 75
Quinn Funeral Home
Former Warwick Chief of Staff Edmund Burke Sarno Dies at 75
Born in Providence, he was the son of the late Edmund T. and Pearl O. (Blackmar) Sarno. Burke was the loving father of two daughters, Alivia J. Sarno (Casey) and Lindsay J. Sarno, and his only son, and youngest child, the late Aron B. Sarno; cherished grandfather of Drew, Brady, and Finn. He was the brother of Fred B. “Teddy” Sarno (the late Lois) and Jeffrey P. Sarno (Claudia), and a proud uncle to many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He leaves behind his loyal Husky Tig, as well as a close circle of friends from his years at Warwick City Hall and the Pawtuxet Athletic Club.
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Burkie, as most everyone called him, spent 18 years with ITT-Hammel Dahl (Neles-Jamesbury) as a manufacturing supervisor, before entering municipal service as the Director of Operations during Lincoln Chafee's second mayoral campaign. He was appointed and eagerly served as Chief of Staff for the City of Warwick to the then elected Mayor, (1992–1999) and later retired as Director of Public Works in 2003. A U.S. Naval Reserve veteran of 18 years, he was also a gold card and life member of the Pawtuxet Athletic Club (PAC) in Cranston for 50 years, where he served as treasurer; he continued to tend bar throughout the week and on most Saturday nights, catching up with the many friends and patrons who frequented his shifts.
Known for his steady leadership, political savvy, quick wit, and willingness to help anyone who needed a hand, Burke took greatest pride in his family and the friendships he built across the community he loved. He enjoyed golfing (and watching it on TV, unfortunately), attending Red Sox and Bruins games, and enjoying many rock concerts with his children over the years. He played the drums throughout his life and even kept a set in his office at the PAC. He was an avid history buff and knew the political history of the City of Warwick as well as anyone. Burke will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held Saturday, September 13, 2025, from 1:00–3:00 p.m., followed by a service at 3:00 p.m. in the Thomas & Walter Quinn Funeral Chapel, 2435 Warwick Ave., Warwick. Burial will be private in Pawtuxet Memorial Park, Warwick.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Warwick Animal Shelter, 101 Arthur Devine Blvd., Warwick, RI 02886, are appreciated.
The family offers sincere thanks to the dedicated staff of Sunny View Nursing Home for their compassion and support, and to Eden Hospice for the gentle care and comfort they provided to Burke and his family throughout his final weeks.