Anthony "Tony" Rourke

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Anthony Rourke Obituary

ANTHONY "TONY" ROURKE was born Nov. 25, 1933 in Bangor, Maine and passed away on August 14, 2008. He moved to Massachusetts, at age six. He was a graduate of St. John's Prep, served in the US Air Force then received his Bachelor's Degree in civil engineering from Georgia Tech and earned his Master's Degree at Stanford University. He worked in the construction industry throughout his career and most recently employed by the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. He was devoted to his family and his church. He lived life to the fullest and gave everything he had to the very end. Tony was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and M. Gertrude (Leahy) Rourke and his brother Thomas Rourke. He is survived by his wife of 45 years Barbara (Parkinson) Rourke and his children Jim Rourke, Mary Scott and husband Greg, Carleen Vernon and husband Kenny, Honora Aimone and husband John, Tom Rourke and his grandchildren Anthony Scott, Kathleen and Cassandra Vernon and Mackenzie Aimone, his sisters and brother Peggy Benson, Honora McLaughlin and Jim Rourke and many other family and friends. Visitation will be from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., with Rosary at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, August 17, 2008, at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, 8200 Roos Rd. A Mass of the Resurrection will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 18, 2008, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, 1111 St. Joseph Pkwy., with the Most Rev. Joseph A. Fiorenza, Celebrant. The Rite of Committal will follow at the Houston National Cemetery. A reception will immediately follow the burial at St. Francis de Sales. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Tony's honor to the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Attention: Sylvia, 2900 Louisiana St., Houston, TX 77006 (713)526-1192, www.catholiccharities.org

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Published by Houston Chronicle from Aug. 16 to Aug. 17, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Anthony Rourke

10 Entries

Jeff Klein

September 14, 2008

As a lifelong friend of Jim, Tony's oldest son, I have several memories of Tony. I would like to share one which for me personally captures an important aspect of Tony's character: Tony the Patriot.
I was a young officer deployed to the Middle East in the first Gulf War. I received a letter of support from Tony; back then letters were scarce and any mail was a real morale booster. A letter from the father of a friend was completely unexpected and greatly appreciated. Tony asked for a bit of Iraqi sand taken from my footrprint, which I sent him along with a photo of me collecting the sand. I returned to the U.S. in Sep of 91 - seven months after the war had ended and long after the nation's attention had moved on. Having deployed to the Middle East from my station in Germany, I had no appreciation for nor had I personally experienced our nation's gratitude, either before or after the war. But when I returned home in Sep of 91, I saw prominently displayed on Tony's shelf that bottle of sand with the photo of me collecting it. To this day, that memory of walking into his home and seeing that bottle of sand is what I carry with me as my personal experience of an appreciative nation. And this is the most prominent memory for me of the man and patriot that Tony Rourke was.

Todd Whittemore

August 24, 2008

It was an extreme pleasure and real joy to work with Tony as part of the GT alumni club in Houston. His involvement was instrumental in the success of the GT club starting in the early to mid-90's, and I can say that I still proudly use my GT coffee mug listing our club as the '95 Presidents Club winner!!! Tony will be deeply missed, but forever remembered.

Susan Nittka

August 19, 2008

I am so very sorry for your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Tony through the Associated General Contractors/Houston Chapter where he occasionally assisted with professional development programs as a panelist, sharing his knowledge with the contractors. He was such a kind man and always willing to give back to the construction industry. He will truely be missed.

Anavel Jorge

August 18, 2008

I am really sorry for your loss; you are in my prayers.
Tony was a wonderful human being and a truly gentleman.

Sheryl Shellene

August 18, 2008

I had the distinct pleasure of knowing Tony while I was working at Ziegler Cooper Architects during the entire Co-Cathedral planning and construction. I was an administrative assistant there and looked forward to the many days that he came to our office for those lengthy meetings. He was one of the dearest men I have ever had the pleasure to know. I was so deeply grateful that he was strong enough to attend the Co-Cathedral dedication and see all of his hard work come to fruition. I think of Tony every time I see that beautiful structure. God Bless you, Tony, and my best wishes to your family. Warmly, Sheryl Shellene

Richard & Jean Sedita

August 17, 2008

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
God Bless you

Bill Gilliam

August 17, 2008

To the Rourke Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Knowing Tony through the Ga. Tech Alumni group was an inspiration to all -
Martha and Bill Gilliam

August 16, 2008

Barbara, I was so sorry to hear about Tony. Wilma keeps me posted on you and your family. Not sure you remember me, but I am a friend of Wilma. Kaye Haynes

John and Maureen Hurst

August 16, 2008

A pleasure to work with over the years. Thanks, Tony, for being our personal guide just a few weeks ago to the Cathedral's nuances. We joyfully felt your reverence and deep appreciation for it.

Linda Powell (Reid)

August 16, 2008

To the Rourke family,

Our deepest sympathies and prayers are with you all. May you find comfort in your memories of your husband and father which will be forever in your hearts. Trust in God that he will lead you through this until you are all reunited in Heaven above. God bless Mr. Rourke and the entire Rourke family.

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