Haverhill – Robert Cornelius Rorke, 81, was born on September 28th 1938 in Haverhill, Massachusetts to Daniel Andrew Rorke and Sabina Rita (Nissi) Rorke. Robert passed away on June 4th 2020 at the Hannah Duston Healthcare and Rehab.
Robert leaves his brother Daniel A. Rorke of Plaistow, NH and nephews Matthew Rorke, Patrick Rorke, Christopher Rorke, Sean Rorke and niece Carma Rorke. Also mourning “Uncle Bob” are his great nieces and nephews Maggie, Jude and Lily Rorke, Danny and Liam Rorke and Marianna and Gabe Miller.
Robert was pre-deceased by his parents Daniel and Sabina (Nissi) Rorke, Sister in Law MaryAnn (Walsh) Rorke and nephew Daniel A. Rorke III.
Robert was a graduate of Exeter Academy attended Williams College where he was Class President and received his BA in French Literature. He continued his education at the University of California Berkeley receiving a Masters Degree in French Literature.
After Berkeley, Robert taught as a Professor of Romance Languages, embarked on his remarkable journey teaching at such Universities as Williams, Berkeley, University of Santa Barbara. He became Director of University of Seven Seas traveling the world teaching International students the Romance Languages and exploring the cultures around the globe. He taught at Saint Andrews School where he was Head of Foreign Language Department and The University School in San Francisco.
Robert was true Renaissance Man, linguist, writer, philosopher, Master Chef, gardener and most importantly Bob was a loyal, loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He treasured family, his Italian-Irish heritage and his friendships. We will truly miss his stories, his sense of humor and his Joie de Vivre!
The family would like to thank Hannah Dustin Nursing Home in Haverhill, MA for the care and support given to Robert during his time there.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his name to The Boys and Girls Club of Greater Haverhill, 55 Emerson St. Haverhill, MA 01830. Funeral services for Mr. Rorke are private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on facebook, or www.comeaufuneral.com
Condolence(1)-
Daniel and Elizabeth Brosnan says
June 7, 2020 at 9:05 pmWe always enjoyed talking with Bob whenever we went to Hannah Duston to visit my wife’s father, Louis. Bob was a fascinating and well-read conversationalist and more importantly, a very nice person. He always was concerned for others and if Louis was not in his usual spot in the lobby, he would ask us how he was doing when we arrived.
Our prayers and sympathies are with Bob’s family.