MARLBOROUGH-Robert J. Bourke, 84, of Marlborough, formerly of Sandwich, passed away peacefully Friday, September 30th at home with his family by his side after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Maryann (Lee) Bourke. His first wife Irene C. (McAvoy) Bourke died in 1985. He leaves three sons, William R., James K. and John J. Bourke all of Worcester; two daughters, Kathleen M. Michelin of Winter Springs, FL and Robyn A. Tygart and her husband, Gary of West Palm Beach, FL; a step-son John McShera of Centerville; two step-daughters, Kathleen Martinelli and her husband, Michael of Auburn and Marybeth Brosnihan and her husband, Timothy of Westborough; seventeen grandchildren and four great- grandchildren. He was predeceased by his sister Beverly A. Kowaleski.
He was born in Worcester, the son of Robert A. and A. Irene (McCarthy) Bourke. Mr. Bourke was a World War II Navy veteran, serving on the U.S.S. Healy (DD-762). He had worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for 23 years, retiring in 1990. Previously he had been employed by Wyman-Gordon. He was a member of St. Stephen’s Parish; and was most proud of his fund raising efforts for Muscular Dystrophy during his time at the Post Office. Mr. Bourke was an avid sports fan and was known for his engaging conversations about sports.
The funeral is Tuesday, October 4th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue with a Mass at 10:00 AM in St. Stephen’s Church, 357 Grafton Street. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday, October 3rd from 5:00 until 8:00 PM in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the VNA Care Network and Hospice, 5 Federal Street, Danvers, MA 01927.