Gloucester - Dennis J. McGurk died peacefully at his West Gloucester home on Friday morning, surrounded by his sons and his loving partner. He was a successful business owner, marathoner on every continent, preservationist, community activist, and lifelong traveler. Those closest to him will remember his strength of character, his commitment to justice, and, above all, his deep love for his sons, Chris and Mike, his grandchildren, Mikey and Anna, and his devoted partner, Cindy.

Born in Buffalo, New York, and raised in Red Hook, New York, Dennis earned his bachelor's degree from Northeastern University while working as a bricklayer, cab driver, and factory laborer to support his young family. He later served with the Army National Guard and earned an MBA from Babson College.

With $2,500 from the sale of his motorcycle, Dennis and a partner purchased Chelsea's Industrial Wiper and Paper Supply, which grew into a major janitorial supply company in the Boston area over 23 years. He later spent 15 years as a consultant, helping turn around a major New England industrial supply company.

At 57, he ran his first marathon- in Antarctica- and went on to complete races across the globe, including five Boston Marathons. A Gloucester resident for 35 years, he loved his home overlooking Essex Bay and worked to preserve the woodlands of West Gloucester and the Great Marsh. His annual Fourth of July cookouts brought together friends and neighbors for more than two decades.

In 2020, he met artist and educator Cindy Crimmin, who became his partner and inspiration. Cindy filled Dennis's last years with love, dedication, enthusiasm and adventure.

Dennis is survived by his sons, Christopher McGurk of Roslindale, MA and Michael and Alyssa McGurk of Hollis, NH, and their children Mikey and Anna; his sister, Betty McGurk Anderson and husband Gene of Dobson, NC; and former spouses Inger Johansson of Londonderry, VT and Esther Griffin of Beverly, MA; and partner Cindy Crimmin of Acton, MA.

He was predeceased by his loving mother, Elizabeth McGurk of Red Hook, NY and his father James McGurk, and brother Jim McGurk of Tonopah, AZ.

A private ceremony will be held in the spring, when his ashes, along with those of his beloved Akita, Bud, will be spread on Essex Bay.

Donations in Dennis's memory may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in support of the research of Dr. Alok Tewari, and Roca Inc. of Chelsea, MA.

Arrangements by the Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester.

For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com