Dennis Burke's Story
Dennis was the youngest of six, who was well known for his sense of humor and love of gardening. He was a passionate master craftsman and owner of Dennis Burke Fine Woodworking. He was a devoted husband, father and friend to many, and heavily involved in his local community.​
When Dennis Burke was diagnosed with ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) in June 2023, he faced not only the profound challenges posed by the disease, but also the daunting emotional and financial burdens that come with it. Rather than yield to despair, Dennis channeled his determination into action, founding the Dennis Burke Foundation for ALS to support others confronting the same struggle.
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease is a progressive nervous system disease that weakens muscles and impacts individuals ability to function. The cause is not fully understood and there is no known cure. For many, the diagnosis is overwhelming. For Dennis, it became a call to action.
With the support of his wife, Alissa, and their children, Kristian and Hannah, Dennis embraced his journey with resilience, dignity, and even humor. Together the family has turned their challenges into a force for good, inspiring others and working to make a difference both locally and in the broader ALS community.
​The foundation, established shortly after Dennis's diagnosis, focuses on providing assistance to families impacted by ALS, empowering those diagnosed to live purposeful lives and raising awareness about the disease.
Its impact was evident on September 13, 2024, when the foundation held its first major fundraiser at the Knights of Columbus in Washington Township. The event, bolstered by contributions from local businesses, family, and friends, was a resounding success, with all proceeds supporting the foundation's mission.
In addition to local efforts, the Dennis Burke Foundation has made significant contributions to advanced ALS research. In January of 2025, the foundation donated $20,000 to the the Eleanor and Lou Gehrig ALS Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, where they connected with Dr. Neil Schneider, the center's Director. The funds will support research aims at understanding and ultimately combatting the disease. Dennis took his commitment even further by registering as a donor for the center's postmortem tissue collection program, helping to pave the way for future advancements in ALS studies.
"If my contributions can help move the needle in understanding this disease, then it's worth every effort."
— Dennis Burke
​Through the foundation and their personal advocacy, The Burke Family has become a beacon of hope for others facing ALS. Their courage, grace, and determination have rallied friends, neighbors, and strangers to join the fight against the disease.
Dennis passed away on January 27th, 2025, but the work of the foundation remains vibrant. Dennis’s journey, alongside Alissa, Kristian, and Hannah, reminds all of us that even in the face of life-altering adversity, purpose and hope can light the way forward.