Terrence O'Rourke

Terrence McDonnell O’Rourke, age 86, of Royal Oak, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, with Mary O’Rourke, his wife of 62 years, by his side. He is survived by Mary; his three children, Terrence (Wanda), Kelley (Jason), and Anthony (Christine); grandchildren Aidan, Ella, Blake, Macklin, Riley, Ardis, Terrence, Makenzie, Samantha, and Benjamin; and siblings Peter and Mary Ellen. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings Michael, Patrick, Timothy, Colleen, and Bridget (“Peaches”). “Terry” was born on January 8, 1939, in Detroit, Michigan, to Dr. Randall M. O’Rourke and his wife Alice. The fifth of eight children, he grew up in a house remembered by childhood friends for having a roller coaster in the basement. An accomplished high school diver (and later college), Terry enlisted in the U.S. Army and served overseas as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division from 1956 to 1958. Terry returned to Detroit after his military service and met his wife Mary in 1959. They married in 1963 and together raised three children. Terry and Mary traveled widely, venturing as far as Hong Kong, Australia, and New Zealand. At home, they enjoyed watching the Red Wings. Terry built a career as a self-employed life insurance and financial service professional. He established his own business, Certified Consultants Ltd., in 1984. Terry took pride in providing personal and honest advice to clients, and was an active member of his professional association, the MDRT. Terry will be remembered for his colorful humor, intellectual curiosity, and generosity to his friends. Until it closed, his local bar, the Oxford Inn, had a framed caricature of him above his regular seat. A visitation will be held on May 10th from 9am to 11am, with a memorial to follow, at Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Directors, 705 W. Eleven Mile Rd., in Royal Oak. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider a donation to St. Anne’s Mead Assisted Living Facility in Southfield, where he spent the last year of his life in the company of a compassionate and caring staff.

Terrence O'Rourke

January 8, 1939 - April 9, 2025