Richard P. Rourke Print

Richard P. Rourke

 

Retired restaurateur and community leader

 

Richard P. “Ricardo” “Dick” Rourke, 74, a member of a well known Lowell family, died unexpectedly Sunday morning in Savanna, GA on his way home from vacation in Florida with his wife.

 

He was the beloved husband of the Catherine P. (Alley) Rourke, who survives him.

Born in Lowell on June 16, 1943, he was a son of the late Lowell Mayor and State Representative Raymond F. and Florence Rita (Lacoss) Rourke.  Richard was a graduate of Keith Academy
and received an Associate Degree from Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

His life was spent working in the food industry.  Richard began in research with Hood Ice Cream and Commodore Foods.  Nineteen years ago, Richard opened Ricardo’s Café Tratoria in Lowell and became known around Lowell as “Ricardo”.  His hard work at the restaurant had folks lined up to dine enjoying the food, great wine and Ricardo’s conversation with each table.

He later, having a vast knowledge of wines from around the world, opened Tutto Bene Wine and Cheese Shop in Downtown Lowell.  If you were at the restaurant or at the cheese shop Ricardo always greeted you with a smile and if you had the time a story and discussion would follow.

Richard was a very giving person supporting many charities in the Greater Lowell area.  He gave his time and monies to support the Lowell Folk Festival, Winterfest and the Salvation
Army to name just a few.  He served on the Board of Directors at the Greater Lowell Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Lowell Five Cent Savings Bank.

Richard was a big Boston sports team fan, enjoyed playing golf and traveled around the world with Italy being his favorite destination.  Religion was an important part of Richard’s life and was an active member of the
Immaculate Conception Church.

Besides his wife Catherine, he is survived by two sons, Patrick Rourke and his wife Abigail Brunt of Norfork, VA and Colin Rourke of Nashua, NH; a stepson, Glen M. McDevitt of IL; a granddaughter, Sydney Rourke of Lowell; a step grandson, Jack H. McDevitt of IL; two brothers, Raymond R. Rourke of Faquay Varina, NC and Jack Rourke and his wife Elaine of Chelmsford; two sisters, Maureen A. Cohen and her husband Joel  and Nancy L. Viera and her husband John both of Lowell; two sisters in law, Geraldine Rourke of Andover and the former State Representative Susan Rourke of Meredith, NH and many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Richard was also the brother of the late Arthur Rourke and the late State Representative Timothy Rourke and brother in law of the late Jill Rourke.

 

Relatives and friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. at Fletcher from 3 until 8 P.M. Friday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Saturday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH at 10 o’clock.  Burial in St. Mary Cemetery.  E-condolences/directions at odonnellfuneralhome.com.  Those wishing may make contributions in his memory to the Immaculate Conception Building Fund, 3 Fayette St. Lowell, MA 01852.

 

Condolences (7)
  • Marianne and Dave Svenson  - Heartfelt condolences
    Dear Cathy, Patrick and Colin, Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and your family. We are remembering Dick very fondly and the times we spent at Ricardo's with him hosting. He was always so attentive and caring. They are times that we speak of often and will forever remember. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, Marianne and Dave (Sydney's Aunt and Uncle)
  • Marianne and Dave Svenson  - Heartfelt condolences
    Dear Cathy, Patrick and Colin, Our heartfelt condolences go out to you and all of your family. We are remembering Dick very fondly and the times we spent with him hosting us at Ricardo's. He was always so attentive and caring. They are memories that we speak of often and will always remember. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Marianne and Dave Svenson (Sydney's Aunt and Uncle)
  • Sarah Kenney  - My Heart Goes Out to You All
    My deepest sympathy to you, Cathy, and your family. Thoughts and prayers for you as you deal with this very difficult time. Big Virtual Hugs, Sarah Kenney
  • Deb Blazey-Martin  - Thinking of you and your family
    Cathy--wanted to let you know how sad I was to hear of Dick's passing. Tufts Primary Care is thinking of you and we send our love and heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
  • MiKe Downes
    Jack, my condolences on your loss.
  • Betty Ross
    Thinking of all of you with all my heart. So very very sad.
  • Kevin Asselin  - Lots of Memories
    Having spend most weekends for many years at Ricardo's I got the pleasure of befriending Dick. What a great place to hang out with all of the regulars. Dick was always around the engage in conversation with us all and always made us feel welcome. It was always nice to chat about wine and the live music there at his place. It was a pleasure to know him. It's sad to see him leave us so soon. He will be missed by many. Rest in peace, my friend.
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