Dennis Bouvier Bourke

Dennis Bouvier Bourke

AGE: 67 • Ocean Gate

Dennis Bouvier Bourke, 67 of Ocean Gate, N.J. passed away peacefully at his home on October 23rd surrounded by family and friends. Dennis was born on June 20th 1948 in Philadelphia, P.A. He was one of three sons born to John Lynam Bourke Sr and Thelma Maude Bourke. He graduated from West Catholic High School where he was a scholar athlete lettering in swimming. Dennis was inducted into the West Catholic High School Hall of Fame in May of 2015 for his achievements in swimming. Dennis attended Temple University in Philadelphia on a swimming scholarship. He was drafted into military service in 1968. Dennis served in the United States Army with the First Infantry Division "The Big Red One" from 1968 to 1969 in Vietnam. He was wounded in combat and received the Purple Heart. A decorated war hero, Dennis was awarded a Bronze Star, Air Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Combat Infantry Badge medal. An accomplished musician, singer and songwriter, Dennis was the owner and founder of Ocean Recording Studios where he produced many local area and National Major Label recording artists. He also produced and recorded many local and National radio jingles and advertisements. He also collaborated with many major label-recording artists on songs such as "There's still Christmas" with Clarence Clemons (former saxophonists for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band), which he wrote and produced with his writing partner of many years Steve Betts. In 1998 Dennis founded the educational recording program "Audio for the Electronic Media" for the Ocean County Vocational Technical Schools and the Ocean County College of New Jersey. The program has been an overwhelming success preparing students for careers in the audio and video recording and production fields. His son William Bourke now heads the program his father created.

Dennis was actively involved with the "Where Angels Play Foundation" which was founded to construct and dedicate playgrounds for the victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy and continues today with playground dedications for victims of natural disasters and those lost in the line of duty. The foundation was started by Bill Lavin, father-in-law of Dennis's son William. Dennis performed at many of the playground dedication ceremonies. Dennis wrote, performed and produced the theme song for the foundation called "The Sandy Ground" which is available for purchase on the iTunes store.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife Christine, his son John Bourke and Daughter in Law Keri of Bayville, son William Bourke and Daughter in Law Kelly of Beachwood, daughter Lindsey Bourke Cole and Son in Law Jeremy, step son Russell Witt and Daughter in Law Maureen of Manahawkin and his 9 grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister in law Anne Bourke of Wildwood, Niece Judith Bourke Elton of Woodbury and Nephew John Bourke of Deptford. There will be a "Celebration of Life" for Dennis held Wednesday October 28th at the Ocean Gate Yacht Club located at the Foot of Ocean Gate Avenue in Ocean Gate, N.J. from 1pm to 5pm. Donations can be made upon Dennis's behalf to Where Angels Play Foundation. The website for the foundation is

www.whereanglesplayfoundation.org of by texting ANGELS to 71777.