Michael J Rourke

Michael J. Rourke of Natick passed away at home on December 7, 2022, after a courageous battle with cancer over the past year.  He was born March 8, 1943, to William F. Rourke and Mary (Joyce) Rourke in Hartford, CT.  Mike was the beloved husband of MaryAnn (Mihalyak) Rourke, his bride of 57 years.  Devoted father of Michael John Rourke and his wife Tricia of Franklin, Tracy Rourke of Natick, James Rourke and his wife Kristen of Natick.  Loving grandfather of Ryan, Brady, Michael Patrick and Riley Margaret.  Brother of Joyce Cruess, Eileen Fitzgerald and the late Margaret Fox, Barbara Biron and William Rourke.  Also survived by many nieces and nephews and numerous close family friends. 

Mike was a proud graduate of Farmington High School Class of 1961 and held a bachelor’s degree in Recreation Management from Springfield College and a master’s degree in Municipal Management from Northeastern University. 

Mike served the Town of Natick for 33 years as the Recreation Director from 1965 to 1981 and as the Assistant Town Administrator from 1981 to 1998.  He then moved to become the Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Newton from 1998 until his retirement in 2007 at which time he transitioned to part time consulting work.

Mike was involved in many community service organizations and received various awards during his career including the M.E. O’Brien Recreation Service Award in 1981, the Emil S. Skop Award for outstanding contributions to the field of municipal human resources management, the Memorial Service Award in 1998, and the Archdiocese of Boston Chevrus Award for Community Service within the Church in 2015.  He had a passion to give back to others and in that vein had worked the past several years with the Saint Vincent de Paul Society at St. Patrick’s Church in Natick, MA

Funeral from the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home 4 Park Street NATICK COMMON on Friday December 16th at 9am.  Followed by Funeral Mass in St. Patrick Church 44 East Central Street (Rt. 135) Natick at 10am.  Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend.  Interment Glenwood Cemetery, South Natick.  Visiting Hours on Thursday December 15th from 4-7pm in the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Michael may be made to St Vincent DePaul Society at St Patrick Church 44 East Central Street Natick, MA 01760.  For directions and guest book please visit www.everettfuneral.com

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