Shrewsbury – Edward W. O”Rourke Jr., 56, passed away Monday April 4, 2011 at UMass Hospital.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Nancy A. (Kwiatkowski) O”Rourke, with whom he shared 31 wonderful years; their cherished sons, Edward “EJ” O”Rourke and Thomas “Tommy” O”Rourke, both at home; two sisters, Maureen Hunter of Westborough and Gale Racine of Shrewsbury; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Born in Worcester, the son of Edward W. and Jennie M. (Soloperto) O”Rourke, he had lived most of his life in Shrewsbury and was a graduate of Shrewsbury High School.
Mr. O”Rourke worked at C & S Grocers as a production manager, before the company moved to Vermont. He then worked as a manager at Chess King Corporation and as a manager of the Worcester County Food Bank.
Once he became a father, he was essentially a “stay at home” dad, nurturing his two sons every step of the way, all the while taking care of his elderly parents until their deaths in 2002. He continued raising his sons as he began to dabble in real estate and doing rehab projects – he was “Mr. Fix-it.” He extended those abilities and knowledge of his crafts and skills to all those in need. Most recently, he worked for J & J Girourard, but would be home for the school bus. That was him, there for his sons.
Mr. O”Rourke loved life. He would always tell his wife and sons that “Life is a gift, unwrap it.” His life was filled with love for his family and friends. He had a kind and generous heart. His love, his smile and his concern for others brought light to any dark situation and in those situations he would say “with a tear in my eye and a smile on my face.” He loved life and embraced it fully. He will be deeply missed. For those who knew and loved him, life will never be the same.
Funeral services were held April 8 from the Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel of Worcester, with interment at Mountain View Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Edward and Thomas O”Rourke Education Fund, c/o Commerce Bank, Shrewsbury Branch, 226 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, MA 01545.
