Obituary of Father John Francis Bourke

Rev. John Francis Bourke, retired priest of the Diocese of Camden went to be with the Lord on July 18, 2016, at St Mary's Center, Cherry Hill at the age of 79. Beloved son of the late Michael, B.E. and the late Annie (nee Hogan) Bourke. Devoted brother of Father Michael J. Bourke of Willingboro, Noel Bourke, Joseph Bourke, Anna McCabe and Catherine Tynan, all of Ireland and the late Richard, the late Nathaniel, the late Rita Bourke and the late Mary McGirr. Dear brother- in law of Richard McCabe, Eamonn Tynan, Millie, Kathleen and Claire. Loving uncle of numerous nieces, nephew, great-nieces and great-nephews. Fr. Frank was born and raised in Kilkenny, Ireland. He was ordained June 5, 1960 in Kilkenny by Most Rev. Patrick Collier, for the Diocese of Camden. He was a Parochial Vicar at Our Lady Queen of Peace, Pitman, Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Berlin, St. John, Collingswood, St. Michael, Gibbstown, St. Pius X, Cherry Hill and Immaculate Conception, Bridgeton. In 1976 he was appointed Administrator of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Berlin and named pastor in 1977 to 1986. He was instrumental in the planning and building of the new church. In 2000, he was appointed Pastor of St. Anthony, Waterford until his retirement in 2007. In 2014, he moved to the Manor at St. Mary's, Cherry Hill and in 2015 to St. Mary's Catholic Home when his health began to fail. Fr. Frank will be fondly remembered by his parishioners and friends for his quiet and thoughtful manner his dry wit and his famous greeting of "Shalom". Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Friday (7/22) 9 to 11:15 AM at St. Simon Stock Parish/ Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, 178 W. White Horse Pike at Franklin Ave, Berlin, 08009, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Bishop Dennis Sullivan at 11:30 AM. Interment Calvary Cem. Cherry Hill. Fr. Frank's family requests in lieu of flowers donations in his memory be made to St. Simon Stock Parish/ Our lady of Mt. Carmel Church at the above address.