Jay Burke

Jay Richard Burke, age 82, of Brick Township, NJ, passed away peacefully on Sunday, September 3, 2024. Jay was beloved husband to Deanna (nee Tanenblatt) for 57 years, devoted father to Jonas and David Burke, cherished uncle to Antonia, and loving grandfather to Molly, Noah, Danny, and Alexandria. He is preceded in death by his father Theodore, his mother Fay, his sister Signe, his nephew Alex, and his cousins Barry and Janie.

Jay was born on September 15, 1942 in Brooklyn, NY, where he spent his childhood before serving in the army from 1961 to 1963 as a company clerk, earning the good conduct medal. He graduated with both a Bachelor's (NYU) and Master's (CW Post) degree in music education before marrying Deanna in 1967. After his children were born, he relocated his family to upstate New York before eventually settling in Brick Township, New Jersey.

Jay was an eternal optimist; he had a smile and a joke for anyone at any time. He loved chatting with people and had an engaging manner that was remembered fondly by all who met him. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, rooting for the Mets and Giants, and seeing his favorite musicals, movies, and shows. He especially enjoyed these hobbies with his family. He loved music and was a talented performer, singing and playing organ professionally. In later years he was a member of The Golden Tones, his community's choir, but more than anything enjoyed playing piano at home for his family.

He was a devoted husband and father who worked hard to ensure that his family wanted for nothing. After retirement he took on leadership positions at his synagogue, eventually assisting with its relocation. He treasured spending time with Deanna and took advantage of retirement to join a bowling team, sing in a choir, go on cruises, travel, visit relatives and friends, or simply spend quiet days at home. He lived a full life and was loved by all those that knew him.

There will be a memorial service at King Solomon Memorial Park, 550 Dwasline Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012 on Thursday, September 5, at 12:30 pm. Deanna and family will be sitting shiva at her home at 46 Baser Lane, Brick, NJ, 08724, on Thursday from 5pm to 8pm, Friday from 10am to 1pm, and Sunday 1pm to 8pm.