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Bruce Wacker Obituary
Neptune - Bruce M. Wacker, 61, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 5th, 2018 from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A well-respected guitarist and gifted musician of the Jersey Shore music scene, Bruce started teaching himself the guitar after seeing The Beatles perform on The Ed Sullivan Show at age 7. John Lennon was one of his most important influences. He later studied with jazz greats Tal Farlow, Harry Leahey, and the accomplished Jersey Shore bassist Gerald Carboy, creator of the 7-Tone methodology.
A member of the 1975 graduating class of Middletown High School, Middletown, NJ, Bruce taught guitar at Red Bank Music, Notable Music, and Monmouth Music, instructing hundreds of students on six-string and bass fundamentals. He was master of the blues and slide guitar. Bruce collaborated with many different musicians, playing in Jersey Shore bands including White Cracker, The Stylers, Free Gas, and Lance Larson. Bruce toured with The Spin Doctors, Robin Trower, and Warren Hayes & Gov't Mule.
Self-released CDs include The Bruce Wacker Band (BWB), Original Sin, and Accidents Can Happen, a DDC national release that generated interest from major record labels. Most recently, he was working with Jack Daley on new material.
Bruce touched many lives with his quick wit and sarcastic sense of humor that was contrasted by a quiet demeanor so characteristic of many great artists. He is truly missed.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Durward & Margaret Rose Wacker, and his aunts and uncles Bernice & Harold Crawford and Joan & Nick Sama. He is survived by his sister Susan Wacker of Vermont, brother Scott Wacker of Pennsylvania, cousin Lisa Adesso of New Jersey, and brother-in-law Edward Donle of Vermont.
A very special memorial tribute concert in Asbury Park, NJ is being planned for September by the family and Norman Seldin. For more details email [email protected]. Condolences can be sent to Elyfuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Wacker
6 Entries
Frank Saunders
February 13, 2019
Bruce was my first and only guitar teacher, and had a profound influence on my life. I owe every bit of what I know about the instrument, as well as a great deal of my passion for playing it, to him. I'm truly saddened to hear of his passing.
MARCEL
June 22, 2018
During this time of deep sorrow and pain, know that you are not alone. May God give your family strength and much comfort to help you endure this loss as you remember your beloved one, 2THESSALONIANS 3:16
Joyce Spadoro
June 22, 2018
I was so sad to hear about Bruce's passing. He was liked and respected by so many friends and musicians. Our birthdays were days apart and we enjoyed sharing our dour Capricorn wit. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. Sincerely, Joyce Spadoro
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Bob Cecere
June 19, 2018
I took bass lessons with Bruce back in 2000/2001. He was great and we had a goood relationship. He helped a 42 year-old achieve a life dream of playing the bass. May he rest in peace, but with a bluesy soundtrack.
Mary Sniffen
June 18, 2018
Prayers and Blessings to the family. Bruce was a great and talented man and will be missed by all who knew him.
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