John “Jack” O’Rourke

Brian, its never to.late to share a memory. Thank.you for your kind words about my father. Near the end of his life i was blessed to speak with him daily.

To the family of Jack. I do hope that this message finds you well. I am so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. I know it has been almost three years, and I did have a condolence card but for reasons I do not even know, I never mailed it and for that I apologize. Jack was a special guy and a good friend and mentor of sorts to me. I first met Jack back when I working for a newspaper in the early 2000's and my boss at the time introduced Jack to me and I was immediately impressed with his demeanor and work ethic and just overall friendly face that everyone who ever met him, fell in love with!! I knew from that moment on that Jack and I would be connected. Fast forward to 2013 or so and I was in a predicament and Jack was always there for a phone call. He guided me and pointed me in right direction not just in work but also in life. I considered Jack a friend. I do hope that the memories we all have of him are his cheery smile and belief that goodwill will always be the foundation of our lives. Be well.

Elaine and John, Thank you for being kind to my father. He loved to eat ,and was a good cook. I have loved reading all the posts. I enjoyed the story about my dad with his childhood friend, and his memories that he shared.

To the Family of Jack, We are so very Sad/Sorry to hear the news of Jack's passing. We enjoyed all the times we spent with him. he was a Great Person, he was caring, considerate, kind and Loving. He was also a joker and very funny, he put so many smiles on our faces and we laughed a lot together. He was also definitely a classy Guy!!! My husband had lots of fun/Good times with motorcycle rides with him and Redman on a Sunday and they also stopped for Breakfast along the way ! We had spent time as his home, going out to dinner and he came to our home for Gourmet special dinners my husband would make for him. Then we moved to Florida and he also came to Florida for a visit in 2014 and stayed at our home, we Loved his company and enjoyed seeing and being with him. We never saw him again after his visit to Florida. We felt so Bad for Jack, because Loretta's behavior was unbearable for us and we didn't want any part of her and of course he had to go/leave with her. We're so sad that so a Kind/Loving/Great man had to leave and go to Heaven, what a loss for all those who Cared about him and Loved him....

Jack was a extraordinary wonderful man we used to be very close with our family here in flemington. Our fondest memories are when Jack And his wife Loretta would come in and have dinner at our restaurant. May he make a safe trip to heaven we will miss you.

Jack, We miss you smile . You always made me smile and feel better. Rest in Peace Jack ☘☘?

Jack, I am so sad to find out about your passing just now. Over the years of our customer and vendor relationship, you were always kind and considerate and regarded me as a friend. May you rest in peace old pal

I am so sorry that I am just finding out today of your passing in September. From the first time we met and you hired me in 1984 until we worked together again a few years ago, you were always an inspiration to me. Always creative and sharp as a tack. I will always remember you and am so very grateful for all that you taught me as a salesperson, as a manager and as a human being. Thank you Jack. God bless you and give you peace.

Dad, thank you for all of the happy weekends at Cooperstown lake where I have the best family memories. You instilled in me a great love of the outdoors, something I carry with me to this day. We also spent many happy times working side by side on your classic cars. I remember the day we jumped in your convertible 1964 corvette and sped down the newly constructed Interstate 88 before it was open. The Beach Boys were playing on the tape deck because you only allowed period appropriate music in your classic cars. Your hair blew in the wind and you laughed so loudly when the speedometer passed 100 into the red! I wasn’t scared at all because you were the best driver..Just a few of the memories I will always treasure. I hope you Rest In Peace...May the wind be blowing through your hair, and you be as happy and free as you were that day in your ‘Vette... Lisa O’Rourke

It is hard to put into words the loss I feel. Loosing brother Barney in 2018, brother Patrick in 2019 and now a very hard loss this year with Jack. Incredible feeling but it is also important to celebrate the life and leadership of Jack O'Rourke my oldest brother. He was the person I tried to emulate throughout my professional and personal life. Too many cool experiences with Jack to detail here. I looked up to him right thru to his last days. Jack was the coolest, smoothest and always had incredible energy. What I accomplished in my life has been largely influenced by Jack O'Rourke. Now the three boys are together, having a cold one, smoking cuban cigars, playing cards and having a great time. My sister Teresa and the Three Boys -all together now. I still feel them all in my heart. Today as I write this I still feel Jack's spirit. He is still looking out for me. I feel comfortable that he is a better place now. Thanks for being you Jack !! Rest In Peace big Bro !!

As Jack's little sister, I wanted to include his family members, both living and deceased as part of my personal tribute to Jack and his legacy: Jack was born on May 5, 1943 to the late Bernard and Dorothy O'Rourke of Bainbridge, NY. Jack is survived by his wife of 23 yrs., Loretta O'Rourke, adopted son and daughter-in-law, Redmond and Corey O’Rourke of Flemington, NJ, granddaughter, Remi, age 3 and grandson, Maven, age 3 mo.; two daughters, Lisa O'Rourke, of Dallas Texas; granddaughter Lauren Rosborough, age 30 and husband Aaron; twin grandsons Alex Hoffman, age 28 and fiancé Sarah Prendergast, Paul Hoffman, age 28 and fiancé Stephanie Smith; daughter and son-in law Denise and Hassan Eljoohi of Dallas Texas; grandsons, Ali, age 22 and Ahmed, age 14; and son, Greg O'Rourke of Franklin, Tennessee. Jack was predeceased by two brothers Barney O’Rourke and Patrick O’Rourke both of Bainbridge NY, and sister Teresa O'Rourke of Windsor, NY. He is survived by two sisters and brothers-in law, Sharon and Russ Germond of Bainbridge, NY; and Maureen and Brian Futey of Tampa, FL ; brother and sister-in law James and Ann O'Rourke of Capitola, CA; Aunt, Esther Harrington of Derby VT and several nieces and nephews .

Jack was my brother in law but he was more like my brother. We loved our oldies. He used to quiz me on the songs from the 50s 60s & 70 s. His favorite line was " thank u very much" In his Elvis voice. When my Dad was alive him and Jack would talk forever about all the adventures my Dad had. He called my Dad the big guy! He s with my dad and his brother Barney now and they sitting around having a hot dog and a Coors light. I know Jack u r rolling ur eyes at some of the comments that were written for you. We would have a laugh you & me. I will miss u my brother. We had a lot of good times. R I P

Jack always had a smile and a hug for everyone. He will be missed. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lots of love!!

I married into the O’Rourke family at 20 years old. Jack and his ex wife Marilyn were so amazing to Jim and I. They hosted our rehearsal dinner at their home. So kind! Jack was the oldest and every one of the 6 kids looked up to this guy. I personally will miss him. RIP my friend’????

My sincere condolences to the family. I am a friend of Barney. I offer you my deepest sympathy.

In memory of John "Jack" O'Rourke, Regina McCay lit a candle

I am Jack’s youngest sister Maureen and wanted to write a tribute to my brother “Jackie” as his family and closest friends called him. Jack was the eldest of 7 children who grew up in a small rural town of Wellsbridge, NY where he first developed his love of the outdoors. During the summers Jack loved to ride his bike, search for arrowheads, pick blueberries and during the winter months he liked to ice skate and go sledding. As a young man, he developed an interest in both hunting and horseback riding. To me and the rest of our siblings, Jackie was the cool, oldest brother. He graduated high school in Unadilla NY in 1961, where he was known as “Dino”, the handsome, smooth talking guy with dark slicked back hair and of course he had all the girls swooning over him as he was the original Fonze! As an adult, Jack became interested in buying and working on classic cars. He loved his collection of cars, but his three favorite ones were his 1939 LaSalle, 1964 Corvette and his 1972 Gran Torino. In later years he became interested in motorcycles and had quite a collection. He also learned to cook from my Dad and as with most everything he tried; he became quite good at that! After HS, Jack graduated from Mohawk Valley Community College where he earned a degree in Advertising and Art. After college, he worked for Rudolph's jewelry stores in both Oneonta and Norwich NY; he also worked for Bendix Corporation where our Dad worked for over 40 years. Jack began his career in advertising at the Oneonta Daily Star in Oneonta, NY in 1967 where he became the Senior Advertising Manager and Department Head and remained as such for a little over 10 years. Jack used his artistic talent and expertise and hand drew ads for local department stores like Bresee’s. Jack’s work ethic was known to be unparalleled. He later worked for two other newspapers, the Philadelphia Inquirer and the Princeton Packet in Princeton, NJ and later purchased property and built a horse farm in Ringoes, NJ. During this time, Jack started and ran his own successful company for over 30 years, Direct Printing and Mailing. Jack would also love to entertain clients, friends and family at the farm and would often bring out and showcase his favorite classic cars during these large gatherings.

So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Deepest sympathies to his family and many friends.

Family and Friends of Jack, please accept my condolences.

sorry for your loss. went thru school and college with Jack. lots of fun and memories

Maureen and family. Sorry to hear of your lost Praying for you and your family , may God continue to bless you all with comfort and peace. Corrine

Jack, may you rest in peace. You gave me the best gift of all, our three wonderful children. Marilyn O'Rourke

Ah Jackie, (which is what I remember your dad calling you), I miss you so much. We haven't been together in years, but we did talk about 15 years ago, and I knew you were there in New Jersey. We had so many good times together on my parents farm, and later. I remember you always having "Dutchess", your gorgeous collie with you as a kid. I loved you as a brother and as a best friend. I remember cutting my foot in the River at Wellsbridge, it was bleeding badly. You jumped on your bike and rode like a bat out of hell to get my dad at his Sinclair station so he could take me to the doctor. Later, you came over and helped me do the milking. We had good times in Utica, Buffalo, Binghamton, Sylvan Beach, Oneonta, and of course Unadilla. I cannot conceive of you gone. I thought you would go on forever. Sharon, and all the family, i grieve with you at this loss.

My condolences to you Maureen, Shar and James. I only wish we could have connected so much earlier. Let’s not leave it too much longer.

Dad, Your smile was contagious. I loved the twinkle in your eyes every time you smiled. I remember playing football on Sundays with you .. your brothers, and sisters. The whole family would end up playing together We will always carry you in our heart.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.