Terence J. O’Rourke, O.S.A.

1937 – 2004 (December 21)

Terence Joseph O’Rourke, son of John O’Rourke and Elizabeth O’Brien, was born on February 9, 1937, on Staten Island, New York. He was baptized on February 21, 1937, in the church of the Immaculate Conception and received his early education at that parish school. From 1951, to 1955, he attended St. Peter’s High School, Staten Island, and then entered Augustinian Academy there as a post graduate postulant. He entered the novitiate of Our Mother of Good Counsel, New Hamburg, N.Y., professed simple vows on October 30, 1956 and solemn vows on October 30, 1959. In June 1960, he received a B.A. degree from Villanova University. He then studied theology at Augustinian College, Washington, D.C., graduating with an M.A. degree in Religious Education in May 1964. He also earned an M.A. in History from Villanova University. On February 1, 1964, Terence was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop John Maguire at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish, Bronx, New York.

In August 1964, Father O‘Rourke was assigned to Monsignor Bonner High School, Drexel Hill, Pa., where he taught theology, history and economics. In September, 1968, he began parochial ministry at St. Mary’s Parish, Lawrence, Ma., where he directed the C.C.D., the CYO, and served as chaplain to Central Catholic High school and the Lawrence City Jail. He also worked with those suffering from drug addiction. In July 1969, he returned to Monsignor Bonner High School where he taught theology, and later joined the faculty at Malvern Preparatory School, Malvern, Pa., where he taught theology and history. He also taught at Archbishop Carroll High School, Washington, D.C. From 1976 to 1980.

Father Terry served as Director of the House of Prayer in St. Patrick’s Parish in Oswego, N.Y. During the sickness of his father, he taught at Bishop Moore High School, Staten Island. From 1981 to 1994, he served as chaplain at Kings County Hospital Center, Brooklyn, N.Y. He assisted at the parishes of St. Clare, Our Lady Star of the Sea, and Holy Child, Staten Island, St. Monica’s Parish in Johnsonville, N.Y., and at St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish in Atlantic City, N.J. From 1997 until he became seriously ill, Father Terry served at St. Ann Parish on Staten Island, N.Y. He died on December 21, 2004 at the Hospital for Joint Diseases, Manhattan.

The Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated on December 24, 2004 at Father Terry’s home parish of Immaculate Conception Church, Staten Island. Interment was at his family’s cemetery plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, Staten Island, New York.