Shrewsbury – Gerald “Jerry” V. O’Rourke died Friday, March 25, 2016 at UMass Memorial Healthcare. He was 89.
He is survived by his daughter, Maureen O’Rourke; his son, John R. O’Rourke; his granddaughter, Amanda O’Rourke; a beloved great-grandson; and his niece, Mary and her husband Fred, who were as close to him as his children. Jerry was loved and cherished by his family, including his nephew, Billy; his sister-in-law; and nephews and cousins. In addition to his late wife, Mary, he was predeceased by his four brothers, John, Joseph, William, and Peter; two sisters, Alice and Mae; his sister-in-law Bridie O’Rourke; and his nephew, James O’Rourke.
He loved telling stories about the good old days. He was very generous to his friends and family and had a great sense of humor which he shared with them.
Born in Worcester, son of the late John & Alice (Dorsey) O’Rourke, Jerry was a graduate of St. Peter’s High School and received his Associates Degree in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Junior College. He served his country proudly in the U.S. Army during World War II.
Jerry married Mary on April 25, 1953 at St. Anne’s Church and spent the next 42 years together until her passing in 1996.
Jerry loved to work with his hands and worked for 40 years as an electrician and estimator for Electric Service & Supply up until his retirement in 1995. He enjoyed tinkering with anything that would keep him busy and out in the yard.
Active in organizations after his retirement, he belonged to St. Anne’s Church, the Greendale Men’s Club, where he enjoyed many trips, and the Friends of the Shrewsbury Senior Center. He loved to travel to the country where his parents were born, Ireland, where he stayed with his niece’s family, Bridgie and Anthony O’Brien, and their three children, Tony, Maura and Matty, who he loved seeing and spending time with.
Family and friends will honor and remember Jerry’s life by gathering for a calling hour Tuesday, March 29, from 9:30-10:30 a.m., at Heald & Chiampa Funeral Directors, 5 Church Road, Shrewsbury Center, before leaving in procession to Saint Anne’s Church, 130 Boston Tpke., Shrewsbury, where his funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will be private.
Memorials in Jerry’s memory may be made to Veterans Inc., 69 Grove St., Worcester, MA 01605.
