Michael O'Rourke

Michael "Mike" O'Rourke San Francisco Chronicle driver (retired) and lifelong San Francisco Giants Fan - Our dad, brother, and grandfather passed away in the care of his family on July 13, 2011. A fourth generation San Franciscan, Michael was born September 12th, 1946 to Vincent and Virginia O'Rourke. He and his siblings, Gary and Jacqueline grew up in the Bayview and Visitacion Valley districts of San Francisco before the family moved to the Peninsula. He graduated from Mills High School. Building on strong organized labor roots established by his great-grandfather at the turn of the century, our Dad's career began with the San Francisco Examiner and moved to the Chronicle as a member of Local 921 Teamsters Union. A passionate Democrat, our Dad faithfully served his country by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corp during the Vietnam War. Fun-loving and generous, Dad was passionate and curious about life. He loved to travel the world and was always up for a round of golf. His generous nature manifested itself through donations to numerous charities including The US Marine Corp Fund, The Brain Tumor Research Fund, and the National Democratic Party. Though he was diagnosed with a Glioblastoma Brain Tumor in 2002, Dad lived his life to the fullest and greeted each day with a huge smile and a laugh. He defied the odds and initial prognosis of a year to live by continuing to walk five miles every day for almost a decade. Dad's love of life was an inspiration to those around him and he will be truly missed. Thank you to those who were there beside him with love and support throughout his battle with cancer. Two children survive him: Victoria (and son-in-law, Phil), of Millbrae, and Chris, who lives in Oregon. His loving grandchildren, Michael, Alex, and Frisco will miss their Grandpa. A Celebration of Dad's life will be held at Duggan's Serra Mortuary, 500 Westlake Avenue Daly City, CA on Tuesday, July 19, 2011 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. He will be laid to rest at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery in Colma.