November 11 2019: O’ROURKE, Sean N.

 

Sean Noel O’Rourke
February 18, 1936- November 7, 2019

Sean Noel O’Rourke, age 83, of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, November 7, 2019, after a long illness.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sharon, his son Frank O’Rourke, and his daughter Kimberly (Shane) Wivell. He is also survived by sisters Sheri (Don) LaBorne, Frances (Jim) Bailey, Patricia (Dominic) Parr, and Eilish (Cyril) O’Neill, as well as his sister-in-law Jan (Joe) Moschetto, brothers-in-law Bob (Mary) Hobson, Mike (Petra) Hobson, Rick (Christie) Hobson, Jim Hobson, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sean was born in Athenry, County Galway, Ireland in 1936, to Frank and Annie O’Rourke. After being ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1958, he immigrated to the United States. He served as both an assistant priest and a pastor during his ten year ministry in the Archdiocese of Savannah, Georgia. He married his wife, Sharon, after being laicized by Pope Paul VI. Sean retired, after 33 years, as a Health Science Administrator and Public Health Advisor for the Federal Department of Health and Human Services. He was very active in his church community, and he was a long time member of the Knights of Columbus.

Sean was a devoted husband and father. He loved to sing, listen to music, and tell stories. Above all, he loved spending time with his family. He was often found dancing with his wife whenever, and wherever, a good song was being played. He was truly loved and admired by his family and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his infant brother, John Joe.

Relatives and friends may call at Collins Funeral Home, 500 University Blvd. West, Silver Spring, MD 20901 (Valet Parking) on Thursday, November 14, from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 520 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, MD 20852 on Friday, November 15, at 10:30 a.m. Interment at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, 13801 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20906. Immediately following the burial, family and friends are invited to celebrate Sean’s life at a reception at the Knights of Columbus, Father Rosensteel Council, 9707 Rosensteel Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, in his honor.