[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 37 (Friday, March 11, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E459]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THOMAS PATRICK O'ROURKE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. THADDEUS G. McCOTTER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 11, 2011

  Mr. McCOTTER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Thomas Patrick 
O'Rourke, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son and brother and 
to mourn him upon his passing at the age of 75.
  Born on February 22, 1936, Thomas O'Rourke was the younest of six 
children born to James and Mary O'Rourke and attended both Detroit 
Catholic Central and St. Cecelia before graduating from St. Cecelia in 
1954. Having honorably served this great nation as a member of the 
United States Army, SPC 4 Thomas O'Rourke was honorably discharged on 
September 30, 1962. Thomas married the love of his life, Mary Ellen on 
May 3, 1974. A dedicated and loving father to their four children, 
Thomas embodied the truest spirit of the Irish enjoying the boundless 
conversation and camaraderie the Gaelic League and the Ancient Order of 
Hibernians. He was affectionately known as ``Mr. Notre Dame'' among his 
friends at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post where he was an active 
member.
  On March 7, 2011, Thomas O'Rourke passed from this earthly world to 
his eternal reward. Thomas will be deeply missed by his wife of 36 
years, Mary Ellen. He will long be remembered as a father devoted to 
his beloved children Katie, Molly, Tom and Erin. Thomas O'Rourke leaves 
a legacy in his grandchildren, Ella, Aidan, Jack, Megan, Danny, 
Colleen, Maggie and the impending James, due in July. He is survived by 
his sister, Marge. Preceded into eternity by his parents, James and 
Mary as well as his brother James and his sisters Marie, Dorothy and 
Jane, Thomas was a wonderful man, kind to all he encountered. He will 
be truly and sorrowfully missed.
  Mr. Speaker, during his lifetime, Thomas O'Rourke enriched the lives 
of everyone around him. There is no doubt that Thomas was a beacon of 
joy, hope and inspiration to those who knew him. As we bid farewell to 
this exceptional man, I ask my colleagues to join me in mourning his 
passing and honoring his life and his service to our community and our 
country.

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