Robert Rourke

NASHUA - Robert William Rourke, a longtime resident of Nashua, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, February 12, 2023, after a period of declining health.

Bob, also known as “Billy” to many in his family and childhood friends, was the son of the late George and Dora (Maguire) Rourke. He was born in the Swede Village section of Lowell, MA on October 24, 1946, and always remembered spending his summers at the O’donnell Park “Big” pool and jumping off the Six-arch bridge over the Concord River in South Lowell. He attended Sacred Heart elementary school, surviving the 8th grade with Sister Gonzaga, and later graduated from Lowell High School with the class of 1964.

After high school, Bob attended the Andover Institute of Business and Bryant & Stratton college to study computer science. After completing his studies, Bob enlisted in the US Army and proudly served his country as a computer specialist in the US Army Security Agency stationed in Frankfurt, Germany. After his enlistment, Bob continued to work in the ASA as a civilian. Bob and his family moved to Merrimack, New Hampshire, in the mid 70’s where Bob worked for many years as the data center manager for Itek Optical Systems in Lexington, MA and for Computer Science of America as a senior manager supporting Raytheon Systems of Andover, MA.

Bob was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing in his workplace golf leagues. After his retirement, he always made time to connect with his golf friends for an afternoon on the course and conversations at the 19th hole. Bob also loved watching a good Bruins game.

Bob was predeceased by his sisters, Dorothea Rourke-o’regan of Stoneham, Catherine “Sally” Regan of Leominster, and his brother George “Larry” Rourke of Lowell.

Bob is survived by his son Tym Rourke and his wife Mel Pepin of Bedford, NH, and their children Declan and Exelia; his son Brian Rourke and his companion Stacy Murray of Manchester, NH, and children Julia and Emily; and his former wife, Bonnie (Lepinski) Rourke of Milford, NH. Bob is also survived by his brother Jim Rourke and his wife, Nancy of Townsend, Mass. He will also be remembered by his cousins from the Winn, Owens, and Maguire families, and by his many nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private memorial to celebrate Bob’s life at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk,

P.O. Box 3595, Boston, Mass. 02241-3595. The memo line must include: Cure AT/RT Now, Robert Rourke. You may also go to http://danafarber. jimmyfund.org/goto/cureatrtnow and list as in memorial of Robert Rourke.

Kindly visit rivetfuneralhome.com to leave an online condolence.