Charles Edward Rourke

Born on December 7, 1950, in Tampa, Florida, Charlie was the beloved son of Edward and Lena Rourke. He grew up in Tampa, where he developed a lifelong love of working with his hands, helping others, and exploring how things worked. A proud graduate of the Hillsborough Schools, Charlie was known for his warm smile, sense of humor, and dependable nature — traits that stayed with him throughout his life.

After graduation, Charlie chose to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. During his four years of service, he traveled throughout Europe. His time in the Navy shaped his strong work ethic, sense of responsibility, and commitment to those around him.

Following his military service, Charlie embarked on a long and successful career with Stageco, where he worked in production and operations for concerts and live events. This career combined his love of music, people, and precision — and gave him countless stories to tell. He had the privilege of working with many of the world’s most celebrated musicians, but his favorite artist to work with was Kenny Chesney. Charlie’s dedication, humor, and steady leadership made him a cherished member of the Stageco family.

Outside of work, Charlie was happiest when he was creating, fixing, or building something. He could repair just about anything — motorcycles, golf carts, lawnmowers, or machinery of any kind. He had a gift for turning broken things into something beautiful and useful again. He also found peace in gardening, tending to his plants with the same care and patience he gave to everyone in his life.

Charlie was also a devoted animal lover. In fact, he and his wife had just lost their adored min pin Willow before he became ill.

Faith played a central role in Charlie’s life. He was a member of Ascension Episcopal Church in Clearwater, where he served and worshiped faithfully. When he and his beloved wife, Lynn, moved to Darien, Georgia, two years ago, they became active members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick, where they quickly found a warm and welcoming spiritual home.

Charlie met Lynn six years ago and, from that moment on, the two were inseparable. Lynn was truly the love of his life. Their relationship was filled with laughter, partnership, and deep affection. Whether they were traveling, working in the yard, or simply enjoying a quiet evening together, Charlie and Lynn shared a bond that was evident to everyone who knew them.

Charlie is survived by his devoted wife, Lynn Rourke, of Darien, GA; his children, Anise Rourke of Tampa, FL, Jamie Rourke (Amanda) of Tampa, FL, Shawna Rourke of Tampa, FL, and Tonya Rourke of Kissimmee, FL; his sister, Mary Stomsness of Brandon, FL; five grandchildren; and numerous extended family members and close friends who will miss him dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Lena Rourke, and his sister, Dorothy Rourke, of Brandon, FL.

Charlie will be remembered for his kindness, integrity, and unwavering love for his family and friends. He was the kind of man who would drop everything to lend a hand, offer a word of encouragement, or share a story that made you laugh until you cried. He believed in working hard, loving deeply, and leaving things — and people — better than he found them.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Charlie’s memory be made to Cursillo (a life-changing retreat program) through St. Mark’s Episcopal Church at https://onrealm.org/SaintMarksEpiscopal/-/form/give/now (select Discretionary Fund and in the notes type “Cursillo”).

Two memorial services to celebrate Charlie’s life will be held at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Brunswick, GA at 1PM on Thursday November 6, 2025 and at Episcopal Church of the Ascension in Clearwater, FL at 1PM on Monday November 17. Friends and loved ones are encouraged to share memories, photos, and messages on this page to help honor the life of this remarkable man.

Charlie’s presence will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, faith, laughter, and kindness will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.