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Michael Roarke Obituary
88, died peacefully in the presence of his family on Saturday, July 27, 2019.
If Mike were writing this, it would simply read: "Mike died. Chrysler for sale." But this humble man of Irish descent led an admirable life deserving of a few more words.
Born and raised in West Warwick, R.I., Mike was the son of the late Walter J. Roarke and Mary T. (Riley) Roarke. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Merry Sue (Blair), and siblings Mary McKanna and John Roarke. Mike is survived by his five children: Susan Roarke, Thomas Roarke, Karen Roarke and her husband, Doug Cluff, Janet O'Connell and her husband, Patrick O'Connell, and Kelly Roarke. He leaves one brother, Walter F. Roarke, of West Warwick and his wife, Patricia. He was the proud Grampy/Papa to Michael O'Connell, Cameron Cluff, Hailey O'Connell, and Brennan Cluff.
Mike was a true gentleman and loyal friend. Honest, quiet, and personable, he possessed a dry wit and loved a good story. Besides golfing at his beloved West Warwick Country Club, he enjoyed a good book, a quick dip in a cold pool, a difficult crossword, a healthy bowl of coffee ice cream, a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup (or two), and, most of all, meeting friends for lunch at his favorite restaurant, A.J.'s.
He made his career in professional baseball for 42 years as a player, coach, and manager; most notably as a catcher for the Tigers and as a pitching coach for the Cubs, Cardinals, Padres, and Red Sox. He coached in two World Series and two MLB All Star Games.
Mike enjoyed speaking to school age youth about the importance of teamwork, sportsmanship, and unstructured play. He served on the board of directors for Big Brothers of Rhode Island for over 20 years and established a non-profit to support the renovation of John E. McCarthy Memorial Stadium in West Warwick. He was an ardent supporter of local charities and community organizations, especially those that were focused on giving a helping hand to those that needed one.
Vice president of West Warwick High School Class of 1948, Mike played football, baseball, and basketball; captaining all three sports his senior year. Mike earned a bachelor's degree in 1952 from Boston College where he played football and baseball; captaining both teams. He was awarded the Thomas F. Scanlon Memorial Trophy in recognition of his scholarship, leadership, and athletic ability.
He was inducted into the following halls of fame: West Warwick High School, Boston College Varsity Club, Providence Gridiron Club, National Irish American Baseball, and Rhode Island Heritage.
A veteran of the Korean War, Mike served in the U.S. Army as a radio operator in Austria from 1952-1954.
Mike was a long time communicant of Immaculate Conception Church where he was a member of the St. Joseph's Men's Guild.
His funeral will be held Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 9:45 am from the PRATA-GALLOGLY Funeral Home, 78 Providence Street, West Warwick followed by an 11:00 am Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Church, 237 Garden Hills Dr., Cranston. A collation will be held immediately following Mass. Visiting hours are Wednesday 4:00-7:00 pm. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations to the R.I. Special Olympics or McCauley Ministries would be appreciated. Information and condolences please visit: www.PrataGallogly.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael Roarke
Sponsored by Prata-Gallogly Funeral Home.
John Hamilton
July 24, 2023
My memory is in the late 50s, early 60s when he played a summer with the Milwaukee AAA farm club Louisville Colonels. I went to a lot of those games when I was 9 or 10. He was a good catcher. Fond memories.
Rest in Peace, Mike. --John Hamilton, age 74
John hamilton
April 10, 2023
As a kid in Louisville, KY I saw Mike play catcher in 1960 for the Triple AAA Louisville Colonels. I was 11. He and his teammates provided wonderful memories for me. I remember all those guys.
John Hamilton, Lexington, KY
PHIL LIP A LUPO
September 12, 2019
RIP MIKE = CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS. WE HAD A FEW GOOD YEARS IN WWHS. YOU AND THE REST OF THE BALL PLAYERS WERE OUTSTANDING
ATHLETEWS AND GREAT CLASSMATES. I ENLISTED IN THE USAF RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL AND SERVED 30 YEARS
RETIREING IN 1978.
Lee (formerly Leo) Richards
August 15, 2019
Mike and I were friends since the First Grade at St. James Parochial School in Arctic (West Warwick) and played football at WWHS. Mike was a much better athlete in 3 Sports. Our professional careers took different paths but I followed Mike's career with interest and enthusiasm. My wife Edith, our two daughters, and I last visited with Mike circa late 1980s when the Cards were in Atlanta to play the Braves. We enjoyed a nice chat before the game which was played on a hot and steamy July 4th. Mike was always a gentle man and a perfect role model to all who knew him. Farewell, friend, RIP until we meet again.
DYLAN TIMOTHY FISHER
August 11, 2019
I , HAVE BEEN GREAT FRIENDS WITH MICHAEL FOR A LONG TIME I , WENT TO THE BASEBALL GAME WHEN , I WAS 4 YEARS OLD WITH MY GRANDFATHER ..... SO , FAREWELL SIR !!!!! JOHN 2:02-2:25 !!!!! MARK 1:11 ???? & GENESIS 10:21 ......
Arlene Violet
August 6, 2019
Mike was one of a kind! He and his wonderful wife were fabulous parents who deeply cared about the community. My deepest sympathies to his family. Former Attorney General Arlene Violet
Eric Foote
August 5, 2019
Precious Memories Abound!
ANDREW JOSHUA LAWLESS SR
August 2, 2019
MY , YOUNGER BROTHER DAVID WENT TO SEE MICHAEL PLAY BASEBALL AT THE AGE OF 3 .... SO , FAREWELL MY FRIEND !!!!! JOSHUA 6:04 ...... JOHN 2:02-2:25 ?????? & MARK 1:11 .....
Ruth Casavant
August 1, 2019
It was an honor to care for Mike in his last couple of years. I will miss his stories and our daily interactions. A true gentleman. May he rest in peace and may God be with his family at this time.
George Ciovacco
August 1, 2019
My condolences to Mike's family.
Mike and I were freshmen catchers at BC in 1948 when we are not eligible to play varsity baseball. I caught our first game against BU and Harry Agganis and nobody could have been more supportive and gracious than Mike. It was the last game I caught since Mike possessed all of the attributes ascribed to him as a superior athlete. More importantly, he was a wonderful person and I considered it an honor to be his backup. May he rest in peace.
Bill Bauer
August 1, 2019
I wear my Bosox cap with pride in the abscence of Merry Sue + Mike..GOD BLESS..W.S. Champions !! Mike provided tickets to my coaching buddy Rick Gotkin,his father,future wife Diane and myself at 3 rivers stadium. We enjoyed chatting after the game. To the Family Trudy Bauer send her love.....regretfully. W.Roarke Bauer.
Bill Bauer
August 1, 2019
I wear my Bosox cap with pride in the abscence of Merry Sue + Mike..GOD BLESS..W.S. Champions !! Mike provided tickets to my coaching buddy Rick Gotkin,his father,future wife Diane and myself at 3 rivers stadium. We enjoyed chatting after the game. To the Family Trudy Bauer send her love.....regretfully. W.Roarke Bauer.
gene Blair
August 1, 2019
To all the Roarke family I send my condolences. My children remember meeting Mike at Fenway in his uniform. He made it so special for them. I will miss seeing Mike at Twin Oaks. He was a great guy . gene blair
Walter Lehmann
July 31, 2019
I met Mike while he was the Cardinals pitching coach in St. Louis, probably during the 1983 season. While the team was at home in St. Louis, Mike stayed at the Marriott Pavilion where I was the restaurant's morning manager. We enjoyed many conversations and he was gracious enough to provide me tickets into the games. Many times I was able to take my dad. I moved to Colorado after the 1985 series and could call him when I came back to visit. In 1987 when the Cardinals again made the World Series, he was gracious enough again to meet me in Minnesota during the series there.
I am sorry we lost touch. He was a very kind gentleman. My condolences to his family.
Bill and Katie Almon
July 31, 2019
Mike was a great man with a wonderful baseball mind. He certainly helped me with my MLB career. The RI baseball community has lost a great treasure. God speed.
Keith MacWhorter
July 31, 2019
A great man! His subtle humor and knowledge of not only the game, but the people he coached was uncanny. One of those rare people that made coming to the park every day a pleasure. Sorry I cant be there this week!
MIGUEL ROLAND ASTLEY I
July 30, 2019
WOW , SERIOUSLY !!!!!!!!!
WHEN , I WAS 2 YEARS OLD MY , GRANDFATHER MIGUEL SR TOOK ME 2 SEE MICHAEL PLAYING BASEBALL ..... FAREWELL BROTHER !!!!! MARK 1:11 ..... MATTHEW 14:10 ????? JUDGES 4:04 ..... & JOHN 2:02-2:25 ?????
Joe Kernan
July 30, 2019
Dear Kelly:
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing your parents is a particular kind of grief that no words can save you from, but you should take comfort in, that, of all his achievements, raising a girl as beautiful and smart and sensitive as you is one of his best. He must have had a particular pride and joy to see you grow into a singularly lovely woman. Bless you, my friend.
July 30, 2019
Dear Kelly:
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Losing your parents is a difficult form of grief, especially for one who seemed so easy to be with, but you can console yourself with the thought that, among all his achievements, raising a daughter as beautiful and smart and sensitive as you is singularly proud attainment that must have brought him much joy.
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