Obituary for John Francis O’Rourke John Francis O’Rourke, 94, passed away Monday, December 24, 2018. Born October 16, 1924 in Worcester, Massachusetts to John J. and Mary (Furey) Rourke, he was a teacher, principal, and headmaster for many years. He resided in Sutton, Massachusetts for over 50 years and loved to swim and sail in the lake, plant vegetables in his garden, and attend to his orchard of apple, cherry, pear, peach, and plum trees.
He enjoyed his last 5 years in Gretna, Louisiana where he attended many events at World War II museum, Timberlane Country Club, and parties at friends’ homes. He was amazed how welcome everyone made him feel with their southern hospitality and quickly became a Saint’s fan but retaining his Patriot’s loyalty at the same time. John loved baseball and was a catcher for Massachusetts State University at Worcester.
Whenever he could her would cheer on the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Winning the world series this year when his health was deteriorating kept a smile on his face. During WW II, John served in the 42nd (Rainbow) Division, 222 Infantry Regiment, pushing through France and Germany and ultimately was part of the occupational forces in Austria.
During the drive through Germany, the 42nd Rainbow Division liberated a major subcamp of the Dachau Concentration Camp. Also, during a major offensive, John traversed through the German front lines to deliver a message of the impending attach to US Troops in harms way. For his actions the Bronze Star was awarded.
He also was a recipient of the Purple Heart Medal. After the war, John enlisted in the Naval Reserve and served until his retirement as a Lt. Commander.
Surviving are daughters: Sharon Giffard and Maureen Kirchner (Larry) and sons: John F. O’Rourke Jr (Joan) and Paul O’Rourke (Judy). Grandchildren Include: Ktanah Bresnick, Stephen Frick, Kimberly Janeczek, Ryan Frick, Ian Butler, Alexandra Paganetti, Nick Paganetti, Kevin Kirchner, Michael O’Rourke, Sarahlynn O’Rourke, Paul O’Rourke. He also has multiple great grand children.
He was preceded in death by his wife Pauline Coogan and daughter Colleen Butler. He was also preceded in death by his long time companion of over forty years Jacqueline Durbin. He graduated from Worcester State Teachers College (now Massachusetts State University, Worcester and earned a masters degree in education.
John received excellent care while in Gretna. He enjoyed many caregivers: Leah Buck, Henry Hottor, April Henry and Veronica Wallace to name a few. Very special thanks go out to Leah, John’s treasured friend, who has cared for John from the start of his Louisiana residency.
Family and friends are invited to attend the visitation at MOTHE FUNERAL HOME, 2100 Westbank Expressway, Harvey, LA on Saturday, December 29, 2018 from 10AM until 11:30AM. A Funeral Mass will be held at the funeral home on Saturday at 11:30AM. Interment will be in New Howard Cemetery, Sutton, Massachusetts under the direction of Carr Funeral Home, 24 Hill Street, Whitinsville, Massachusetts, (508-234-2330).
Family and friends may offer condolences at mothefunerals.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John Francis O’Rourke please visit our Sympathy Store. Upcoming Events Visitation , DEC 29.
10:00 AM – 11:30 AM Mothe Funeral Home Harvey 2100 Westbank Expressway Harvey, LA, US, 70058 info@mothefunerals.com www. mothefunerals.com Order Flowers for the Visitation Guaranteed delivery before John’s Visitation begins. Mass , DEC 29.
11:30 AM Mothe Funeral Home Harvey 2100 Westbank Expressway Harvey, LA, US, 70058 info@mothefunerals.com www. mothefunerals.com Order Flowers for the Mass Guaranteed delivery before John’s Mass begins.
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