Obituary: Walter P. O'Rourke Jr., 64, Longtime Owner of Northeast Equipment

Walter P. O'Rourke Jr., 64, of North Reading, died at his home on Saturday, July 12, 2014, after a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Somerville, MA on September 7, 1949, he was the son of the late Walter P., Sr. and Rose (Gilmartin) O’ Rourke. He was raised in North Reading and was a graduate of North Reading High School, Class of 1967.

Walter was the owner and operator of Northeast Equipment in North Reading for 37 years. After his retirement, he worked part time for the Hillview Country Club.

Walter was the oldest of nine children. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed kayaking with his wife Peggy and their beloved dogs, Riley and Kimba. They enjoyed their many vacations in Sarasota, Florida.

Family members include his loving wife of 28 years, Margaret (Riley) O’Rourke; brothers, Jack and his wife Dottie, Jim and his wife Lori and Joe and his wife Kristine, all of North Reading; sisters, Rosemary O’Rourke and Kathy Proctor and her husband Art, all of NH,  Nancy King and her husband Bill, Terri Cheney, Pat Casey and her husband Joe, all of North Reading; in-laws, Judy Grundy, Kathy, Michael, Stanley and William Riley and Sheila Swanson. Also survived by many nieces and nephews including Erin and Courtney Butler.

His Funeral will be held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading on Wednesday, July 16 at 9:15 a.m., followed by a 10:30 a.m. Funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter St. (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to: Walter P. O’Rourke, Jr. Golf Fund, c/o Chris Carter, Hillview Country Club, 149 North St., North Reading, MA 01864.