Brendan O'Rourke Obituary

Well a few years have gone by since Brendan's passing but my memories of some of the great times we spent together as teenagers on the Dublin Road Dundalk still endure. Brendan was one of the first of our group to have a driving license. Now back then there was no driving test or exams on the rules of the road. You just turned up at the License Registration Office with your birth certificate and the fee of ten shillings (about 2 USD) and you were off and running. The O'Rourke family car was a 1955 black Vauxhall Velox and Brendan kept it well shined and polished and we were, or at least thought we were " babe magnets". On the short trip from our homes to the skating hall in Blackrock we were sure to pick up any stray passengers with girls getting particular preference.

I know that Brendan's wife and family will have their own happy memories and hope perhaps my own reminiscences will bring a little smile to their days.

Best regards to all.

Sincerely

Mike Neary

It was with great sadness that I just learned of the passing of my old school pal Brendan " Rookie" O Rourke. The Eagles song " New Kid in Town" captures the essence of his arrival in Dundalk back in the 50's. He was the envy of all us kids for a variety of reasons especially that he had a black leather jacket just like James Dean. My sympathy to all his family and friends and for sure I will light a candle to his memory.

Mike Neary formerly of the Dublin Road, Dundalk and now resident in Skerries Dublin.

I first met Brendan in Dundalk in 1959/60 but in was in Dublin 1962 that a friendship began which has endured time and distance.
His visits to us in Ireland were always a delight,remonissing into the small hours with May ,there was alwys a lot of shared ground to cover. It is my now my regret that we did not take up his many inviatations to "come to Chicago",however the hospitality shown to our daughter from the O'Rourke household is not fotgotten.
To May and family we enxtend our deepest sympathyfor the loss of a devoted husband,father,grandfather and friend,you are in our prayers that you find the strengthto cope with this great loss.

When orchids brighten the earth,
Darkest winter has turned to spring,
May this dark grief flower with hope,
In every heart that loves you.

" Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dhilis"
[that he now dwells at the right hand of the Lord]

Gerry ,Breda and family

Dear May,Declan,Fiona and Roisin and families,
1960 was a great year for me -left school,new job - was young alone so I cold called Brendan who had also moved to Dublin .Well we have been very good friends ever since. We GMcDonnell,R Kieran,P Flanagan Brendan & myself had fantastic times-holidays,dress dances etc etc. Then in1965 Brendan with his lovely Irish Cailin May Kerr & much to our loss he returned to Chicago. In later years Brendan & May have welcomed us with open arms on visits to them.
O May and family I could go on & on but what beautiful and joyful memories we have.
We are so sad that God has called Brendan so soon and May, you are all in our prayers at this very sad time.

Noel & May

FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS

Dear Mary,Declan, Fiona and Roisin,
Please accept our prayers on your behalf as well as on the behalf of your husband and father, Bredan. Your family contributed much to the Catholic family of Holy Ghost. Five years ago we had the pleasure of renewing your acquaintance on you trip to Rome.
Peace Deacon and Mrs Daniel (Mary Anne) Troy

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Brendan. I have a lot of fond memories of the O'Rourke family when I was a kid. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you during this difficult time.

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, Love leaves a memory no one can steal.

Our Deepest Sympathy To May,Declan,Fiona,Roisin,Jack,Margaret and May and the O'Rourke and Kerr families.We were very sorry to learn of Brendan's death.May He Rest in Peace.Please be sure you are in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.From Padraig and Owen

I remember the O'Rourke Family when they lived on Union Avenue in Chicago. They were a wonderful and fun loving family. My Dad and Ben were friends for many years. My deep sympathies to Brendan's family.

To a Co-Worker and Real Good Friend - R.I.P. Brendan O'Rourke! God saw you getting tiredand a cure was not to be. So He put His arms around you and whispered “come to me.” With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best!!!!! - Ed Salamanca Jr. Security.