George J. Bourque.

• Position: DEATHS

FITCHBURG George J. Bourque former Mayor of the City of Fitchburg and State Representative, died at the age of 98 years at Leominster Hospital on May 2, 2011 with family at his side.

George was the fourth son of 13 children born to Madeline Fagan and Philias Bourque on January 19, 1913 in Joggins Mine, Nova Scotia. His family settled in Fitchburg when George was an infant and he remained a lifelong resident of the City.

Mr. Bourque served the residents of Fitchburg over a period of 34 years starting as a member of the Park Commission, City Council, Mayor (4 terms) and State Representative (11 terms). George loved Fitchburg and Fitchburg loved him.

In addition to his wife of 73 years, Emelia LeBlanc Bourque, he is survived by four children: Elizabeth Bourque-Theiler and her husband, Willie of Holliston; George J. Bourque, II and Diane Sullivan of North Andover; William R. Bourque and his wife, Linda of Fitchburg; Robert L. Bourque and his wife, Mary of Townsend. His daughter, Barbara Therriault, predeceased him in 2007. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; as well as by...