Michael J. Bourque

LAVERY CHARTRAND ALARIO FUNERAL HOME
                                      99 SUMMER ST. FITCHBURG, MA
                                             OBITUARY  NOTICE
Fitchburg:     Michael J. Bourque passed away peacefully in his sleep, at home Thursday, December 28,2017.
Mike was born in Leominster,MA., October 30, 1942, the son of the late Herman  J. Bourque and Bella L. (Mancuso) Bourque.
Mike  graduated from St. Bernard’s Central Catholic High School, Class of 1960. While there he was an outstanding athlete in football, basketball , and baseball, subsequently named All- Bernardian. Years later he was inducted in the first St. Bernard’s  Hall of Fame.
Mike earned his Bachelor of Science in Education at the University of Bridgeport where he continued to excel in football and baseball. He went on to earn his Masters in Education at Fitchburg State College.
Mike became the first Physical Ed teacher at Crocker Elementary School in Fitchburg, where he worked for thirty-seven years, retiring in 2002. Mr. Bourque’s students will remember him for his hula-hooping, juggling, jump rope, square dancing, gymnastics, and yo-yo instruction. Many city children learned to play chess at the Chess Club Mike created. He truly loved his job.
Mike also enjoyed coaching both football and baseball at Fitchburg High School, leaving a lasting impression on many young athletes.
In his spare time, Mike enjoyed going to Foxwoods, Saratoga, and Florida, and had many interest and hobbies (for example, beating Harvard’s rubric  cube record in front of only his  family leaving his nephew, Ryan, in awe to this day.) For years he could often be found on the golf course at Monoosnock Country Club with his many friends, including his long-time golf partner, Sandy DiPrima. Mike had a great time as an enthusiastic member of the Fitchburg Rod and Gun Club and the Leominster Sportsman  Association.
Mike’s most treasured time was spent with his family, especially playing with his beloved grandchildren and attending their many school and sporting events. The children adored their Papa. Mike also loved sharing a good cigar on the porch with his brother, and practicing his Italian.
Mike leaves behind his high school sweet-heart and wife of fifty-one years, Mary (Mullahy) Bourque, his three daughters, Kristine Bassett and her husband Christopher of Littleton, MA., Karen Harrington and Dianne Nowd and her husband Chris all of Fitchburg, MA. . He also leaves his brother Anthony Bourque and his wife Lyn of Fitchburg, MA., his six grandchildren, Travis, Connor, Jillian, Michael, Dylan, and Jacob, many nieces , nephews, and cousins, in-laws, and many friends.
He was predeceased by two brothers, Herman Bourque Jr. and Richard Bourque.
Michael was humble and kind, a true gentleman who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
At the request of his family, all funeral services will be private. There are no calling hours.  Donations in his memory may be sent to : the Jimmy Fund/DanaFarber Cancer Institute 10 Brookline Place, West FL 6, Brookline, MA. 02445-9924
The Lavery Chartrand   Alario Funeral Home 99 Summer St. Fitchburg, MA. is directing.  Michael S. Alario   Owner- Director.

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