This site includes the postings from the Irish Aires email list. This includes a listing of Irish/Celtic events in the Houston area and other information that the Irish Aires radio program posts.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Burke Eugene Michael O'rourke Obituary

Burke Eugene Michael O'rourke

Obituary


BURKE EUGENE MICHAEL O'ROURKE, 85, passed away June 15, 2013 in Houston, Texas. He was born September 29, 1927 in Wharton, Texas to William Joseph O'Rourke and Mae Celia Burkhalter.

Burke was a dedicated family man and loyal friend. He was always ready to assist anyone in need. He truly lived his Catholic faith, was a daily communicant and a great example to many. He was a graduate of All Saints Grammar School, St. Thomas High School, and St. Edward's University, and attended St. Mary's Seminary. He was thankful for those who educated him: the Dominican Nuns at All Saints Grammar School in The Heights, the Basilian Fathers at St. Thomas High School, the Diocesan priests at St. Mary's Seminary and the Holy Cross Brothers at St. Edward's University (thank you all!).

Burke considered himself to be "born lucky" to Irish Catholic parents, fortunate to have three older brothers and four beautiful and wonderful sisters. Burke loved sports. He was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at St. Thomas High School and St. Edward's University. He played baseball professionally for the Austin Pioneers and once played against Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle of the '51 New York Yankees.

Burke was an independent oil operator and worked with his father for 12 years leading to the 50 plus years of working in the oil business, an industry he truly loved. He with his brother-in-law, Charles Gremillion, founded A & E Products Company. He worked with his brother Bill's son, Vernon O'Rourke, in developing Hoover's Restaurants in Austin. Burke served on many boards including: Strake Foundation, St. Thomas High School and St. Edward's University. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Serra Club. He was the Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick's Day Parade. 

He is survived by his wife Ann Duggan O'Rourke; his daughter Mary Grilliette and her husband Alan; his son William Joseph O'Rourke; his grandchildren Burke Grilliette and Michelle Grilliette; his surviving sister Pat O'Rourke McCrory; and numerous relatives.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 18, 2013 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm with a Vigil at 7:00 pm at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 625 Nottingham Oaks Trail. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 10:00 am at St. Anne Catholic Church, 2140 Westheimer Road. Interment will follow in the Garden of Gethsemani at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Street.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas 77007 or www.sths.org.
 
 jay
Posted by: Unknown / 5:22 PM
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