Richard P. Rourke

1943 - 2018

Richard P. Rourke
Retired restaurateur and community leader

Richard P. "Ricardo" "Dick" Rourke, 74, a member of a well known Lowell family, died unexpectedly Sunday morning in Savanna, GA on his way home from vacation in Florida with his wife.

He was the beloved husband of the Catherine P. (Alley) Rourke, who survives him.

Born in Lowell on June 16, 1943, he was a son of the late Lowell Mayor and State Representative Raymond F. and Florence Rita (Lacoss) Rourke. Richard was a graduate of Keith Academy and received an Associate Degree from Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

His life was spent working in the food industry. Richard began in research with Hood Ice Cream and Commodore Foods. Nineteen years ago, Richard opened Ricardo's Café Tratoria in Lowell and became known around Lowell as "Ricardo". His hard work at the restaurant had folks lined up to dine enjoying the food, great wine and Ricardo's conversation with each table.

He later, having a vast knowledge of wines from around the world, opened Tutto Bene Wine and Cheese Shop in Downtown Lowell. If you were at the restaurant or at the cheese shop Ricardo always greeted you with a smile and if you had the time a story and discussion would follow.

Richard was a very giving person supporting many charities in the Greater Lowell area. He gave his time and monies to support the Lowell Folk Festival, Winterfest and the Salvation Army to name just a few. He served on the Board of Directors at the Greater Lowell Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank. Richard was a big Boston sports team fan, enjoyed playing golf and traveled around the world with Italy being his favorite destination. Religion was an important part of Richard's life and was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Church.

Besides his wife Catherine, he is survived by two sons, Patrick Rourke and his wife Abigail Brunt of Norfork, VA and Colin Rourke of Nashua, NH; a stepson, Glen M. McDevitt of IL; a granddaughter, Sydney Rourke of Lowell; a step grandson, Jack H. McDevitt of IL; two brothers, Raymond R. Rourke of Faquay Varina, NC and Jack Rourke and his wife Elaine of Chelmsford; two sisters, Maureen A. Cohen and her husband Joel and Nancy L. Viera and her husband John both of Lowell; two sisters-in-law, Geraldine Rourke of Andover and the former State Representative Susan Rourke of Meredith, NH and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Richard was also the brother of the late Arthur Rourke and the late State Representative Timothy Rourke and brother-in-law of the late Jill Rourke.

ROURKE - In Savannah, GA, January 7, Richard P. "Ricardo""Dick" Rourke, 74, of Lowell, beloved husband of Catherine P. (Alley) Rourke.

Relatives and friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 3 until 8 P.M. Friday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Saturday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH at 10 o'clock. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery. E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com. Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 3 Fayette St., Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements

by Funeral Director James F. O'Donnell, Jr. (978) 458-8768.