Obituary of Thomas J. O'Rourke

Thomas J. O’Rourke, 84, of Peabody and formerly of Beverly and Salem, died Friday at Massachusetts General Hospital after brief illness. He was the devoted husband of the late Marilyn (Smith) O’Rourke. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Edward and Anna (Kirrane) O’Rourke. He was raised in Salem and was a graduate of St. Mary’s High School in Lynn. He has spent the last 6 years living in Peabody. Thomas was a veteran of World War II who served with the United States Navy and was honorably discharged in April of 1948. After the war, he went to work at the former United Shoe Machine Corporation in Beverly as a production planner for over 38 years before retiring many years ago. Family was everything to Thomas and will be dearly missed by his loving children, Edward and his wife Maryanne O’Rourke of Riverside, RI, Terrence and his wife Jennifer O’Rourke of Beverly and Julie O’Rourke of Peabody, his three beloved grandchildren, Thomas, Liam, and Charlotte O’Rourke. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Edward O’Rourke and Anne Bartman. His funeral service will be held on Wednesday at 9:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody, followed by a Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of one’s choice.