John M. Bourke

John M. Bourke, 81, died Friday, June 14 at his home after a long illness. He was the husband of the late Dolores M. (Ferzoco) Bourke. Born in Lewiston, ME, he was raised and educated in Portland and graduated from Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY. He was a Veteran of the United States Army and a longtime member of the United States Naval Reserves, serving for 32 years and retiring as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. He worked as a foreman for The Fuller Brush and Mohawk Brush Companies for many years, retiring several years ago. Mr. Bourke was a recipient of a Kidney transplant over 15 years ago at the Mass General Hospital. He was a former President of the Berkley Lions Club. In his free time, he enjoyed researching geneology, following the stock market, spending time with his family and working around his yard. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather and his youngest grandson, Owen Daniel, loved to spend time with his Papa.

He was the father of Charmaine Schaefer and her husband Richard and Debra Goyer and her husband Gary all of NY, Carola Hetzel and her husband Edward of PA and Bryan A. Bourke and Erick J Bourke both of Stoughton. He was the brother of Bertram Bourke of CA, Theodore Bourke of DE, Leila (Mickey) Manning of CT, Carola Riley and Patricia Bourke both of NY. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and in-laws.

Funeral will be held from the Farley Funeral Home, 358 Park St. (Rte. 27) Stoughton, at 8 AM on Thursday, June 20 followed by a Funeral Mass at St. James Church, Stoughton at 9 AM. Visiting hours Wednesday, June 19, from 5-8 PM. Burial will follow at VA National Cemetery, Bourne. Donations in his memory may be made to Massachusetts General Hospital, Transplant Center, 165 Cambridge St, Suite 600, Boston, 02114.