Passed away April 22, 2016 after a battle with aggressive Lymphoma. In spite of his recent illness, Gene lived a big life. He was born in San Francisco on May 29, 1945 to Helen and Jack O'Rourke. San Jose was his childhood playground where he fished and unsuccessfully hunted jackrabbits with a bow and his life-long love of fly fishing was born on the Upper Sacramento River. He was the oldest of three children and both of his siblings survive him: Dennis O'Rourke (Nancy) and Anne Burchby (Steve). Gene was a spirited student and equally skilled in social arenas. After graduating from St. Patrick's grammar school in San Jose, he went on to Bellarmine College Prep, University of San Francisco, where he was very active in Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity, and ultimately received his MBA from San Francisco State. He married his college sweetheart, Linda Bartolotti, and went on to raise two children; Bridget O'Rourke (Jeff Tucker), San Francisco, and John O'Rourke (Cathy Quain), Manhattan Beach. His granddaughters Molly and Brenna Tucker will miss their outdoor adventures with him. He is also survived by his niece and nephews; Oliver, Duffy, Casey and Allison. In addition, he leaves behind his uncle Art O'Rourke, Ramsey, NJ and many cousins. Gene dedicated more than 40 years of his career to the credit union movement and has touched the lives of many in the industry. He was also an active Potrero Hill community member and volunteer. Family and friends are welcome to join us on Thursday, April 28th for a funeral mass beginning at 10am at St. Teresa of Avila Church 1490 19th Street, SF 94107. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the John P. and Helen R. O'Rourke scholarship fund at Bellarmine College Prep, San Jose www.BCP.org.

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Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Apr. 24 to Apr. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Eugene O'Rourke

Sponsored by Evergreen Mortuary of McAvoy O'Hara The Evergreen Mortuary.

21 Entries

April 18, 2020

Until we meet again.

May 26, 2016

My memories of Gene will never fade. For me gene was a boss, a friend, and a mentor. When I joined Gene's firm I joined a family that I am grateful for. Our entire family will miss Gene dearly but he will live on in our hearts and thoughts forever.

Here's to you Gene.

Greg, Ellen, Hudson and Molly

Gene loved his USF friends to the very end at their Giants Spring Training outing in Scottsdale, March 2106.

Paul Anderson

May 2, 2016

Gene loved to hike!

Paul Anderson

May 2, 2016

Parki Hoeschler

April 30, 2016

For Gene, who loved words, and his family:

Time: thick honey, and no one saying good-bye.

from Robert Hass' collection, The Apple Trees at Olema, with love and empathy, Parki

Gene loved to fish!

Steve Bowles

April 28, 2016

I worked at Gene's firm in the early 1980s as a staff auditor. It was a great place to be and I learned quite a bit from him as I embarked on an over 30 year career as an auditor. It is a much appreciated privilege to know him. My sincere condolences to his family, relatives, and friends. May his passing always be remembered as a celebration of a life well lived!

Domenico Tallerico

Joan POLITEO

April 27, 2016

Gene provided such comfort to our mother as she neared the end of her life. Both Gene and Linda gave her so much joy with all of their wonderful energy, layered lives, love of children and grandchildren. I loved watching our mother at the mere mention of Gene and Linda.

April 27, 2016

Gene was inspirational to many he knew. I admired his spirit and commitment to the industry. Gene, you will be missed by many! -Jessica Wong

Ed Morera

April 27, 2016

Dear Gene,
To live in the hearts you leave behind is not to die and rest in peace my dear friend as you'll always be in my heart and thoughts!

Ed and Susan Morera

April 26, 2016

Gene was a bright light. Full of energy. The last time we spoke he was rushing off to a Board meeting. He was a bright light in the credit union industry; and a wonderful person. Rest in peace. Pam Easley and family

April 26, 2016

The Sisters of the Presentation are very grateful for all that Gene did for us. We are praying for him and his family.

Frances Politeo

April 26, 2016

All of the Politeo first cousins absolutely adored Gene and we could not get enough of him when we got together. We are thinking so much of his family and close friends and send our love. His passing is heartbreaking. We will never ever forget Gene!

Mark Chatfield

April 26, 2016

Gene made an incredible difference in the lives of so many, mine included. He is already missed.

Joe Mirachi

April 26, 2016

I knew Gene professionally and he provided gentle encouragement for me to pursue my current position as CEO of Launch Federal Credit Union. On behalf of the countless credit union folks who benefited from Gene's insight, integrity and inspiration over the years, I offer condolences and blessings to his family and loved ones.

Celia Politeo

April 25, 2016

Gene was always destined to become a first rate family man. At an early age he accumulated a great deal of training and experience that clearly qualified him to become a father by the age of 22. His six younger cousins (myself included) would know, because we gave him a substantial amount of that training. Gene was a natural: playful, patient, kind, and not without his moments of mischief. To be on the receiving end of Gene's particular brand of mischief was indeed delightful, even if it came with a bit of short term trauma. Seriously, though, it was a privilege and a treat to know Gene as a boy and to remember now the moments that hinted at the wonderful family man he would become, not to mention the wonderful man he was destined to become in the world. Love & Comfort to Gene's Cherished Family and Loving Friends.

Victor Howe

April 25, 2016

Gene's attributes are too many to name. His never ending support, counseling and loyal friendship will be thought of and missed by myself and so many others.

Our thoughts are with his loving family.

Love, Victor and Robin Howe

April 25, 2016

Heartfelt sympathy to all of the family and friends. Thank you for sharing Gene with us for all of those years. I had the best work experience of my life with OSM. He made us admin people feel special. Gene will be truly missed and never forgotten. To the wonderful family who became good friends, Love and hugs, Karen Heise

April 25, 2016

We are forever grateful for the love, guidance and support we received from Gene.
We will miss him terribly.
Love, Wade and Tess Painter

Paul Anderson

April 25, 2016

Even the fish shall mourn his passing.

Paul Anderson

April 25, 2016

even the fish mourn your passing . . .

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