John O'Rourke

Mr. John P. O'Rourke, of Waltham, died Friday, November 18, 2016 in Waltham Crossings. He was 92. John joins his wife of 60 years, Dorothy T. (Kelly) O'Rourke who died February 13, 2014.

John was born in Cambridge a son of Irish immigrants John and Ellen (McKeon) O'Rourke. Raised and educated in Cambridge he was a graduate of the former Rindge Technical High School. When he learned of the bombing at Pearl Harbor John insisted his mother take him to register for the draft. He enlisted with United States Navy and served aboard the Lockheed PV-1 Ventura. A proud Navy veteran he honorably served his country until the war was complete. 'Go Navy' is a phrase by which he will always be remembered.

He began work for New England Telephone Company as a lineman and worked his way through the ranks and earned a position in management as an engineer. Early on in his career while the company was on strike he took the opportunity to attend radio and television repair before returning to the company. After 34 years of service he retired from Nynex Co. in 1984.

John and his late wife, Dot were active members of their parish, St Jude's and its school. John was a past president of the Holy Name Society and they were members of its Couples Club. He was an all-around handy man at the house and was able to fix virtually everything. He enjoyed wood working and a round of golf at Maynard Country Club. They enjoyed wintering in Orlando, Florida for many years. Loyal to his Irish heritage he loved all things Irish including listening to the Irish Hit Parade on WROL Radio. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam (May he Rest In Peace)

In addition to his wife, Dorothy he is predeceased by his son and daughter, John M. and Sharon E. O'Rourke and his siblings, Barbara McCarthy, Margaret McBride, Teresa Boardman, Mary and Helen O'Rourke.

He leaves his children, Maryellen O'Rourke, James O'Rourke and Carol O'Rourke all of Waltham; his siblings, William O'Rourke and his wife, Margaret of Sudbury and Dorothy Lyons of Newton; also survived by nieces & nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember John's life by gathering for calling hours on Tuesday, November 22nd from 4-8 pm in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, (Rte. 20), Waltham and again at 10 a.m. on Wednesday before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial with military honors will follow in Newton Cemetery.

Memorials in his name may be made to the World War II Memorial, 900 Ohio Drive SW, Washington, DC 20024