Obituary of Theodore James O'Rourke

Theodore (Ted) James O'Rourke, 79, died Monday, July 9, 2012 after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family and friends. Ted is survived by his cherished son, Sean Patrick (Joann) O'Rourke, and his six beloved daughters, Kathy Anne (Mike) Pritchard, Nancy Lynn (Dave Bevier) O'Rourke, Jeannie Marie (Rob Lytikainen) O'Rourke, Linda Jane (Mike Bergman) O'Rourke, Patricia Sue Guisinger, Christine Mary (John Saam) O'Rourke and special step-daughter Jennifer Greene. He is also survived by twelve beautiful grandchildren, Daniel Joseph, Katelyn Anne, Lauren Rose, Michael William, Sarah Lorraine, Christopher Paul, Patrick James, James McClelland, Nicholas Paul, Patricia Nicole, Alison Danielle and Caitrin Ann. Ted was born on February 19, 1933 to Thomas and Alice O'Rourke in Greenwich, Connecticut. Ted's parents immigrated to the United States from Ireland in 1925 (Thomas) and 1927 (Alice) and were married in 1930 and together raised five children. Ted graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1958 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and moved to Michigan to begin a 42-year career with Chrysler Corporation. He earned his master's degree in Automotive Engineering in 1960 from the Chrysler Institute, graduating at the top of his class. Ted loved working with his hands and could fix or repair anything. As a young man he was very proud of his first car, a 1932 Ford Roadster. Along with cars, Ted loved the United States of America, women, dogs, his paradise on Morris Lake, the poetry of a well-written country song, his friends and neighbors, a good laugh, a great story and most of all, he deeply loved his children and grandchildren. They will forever miss his big hugs, seeing him laugh until he cried, and his generous and giving nature. He gave them the greatest gift possible - their love for one another. In addition to his parents, Ted was preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy and Neil, his sister Alice England, and his canine best friend, Gretchen. He is also survived by his brother, John O'Rourke, many nieces and nephews, his caretaker and good friend Maryann Lawrence, and his dear friend Betty Weiner. His family and friends will be celebrating his life in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers Ted has requested donations be made to the American Civil Liberties Union.