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Richard O'Rourke

Posted 2014-09-29 by Judy Wight Branson
Sunland Mortuary and Memorial Park, Sun City, Arizona

RICHARD O'ROURKE

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, uncle, brother, son, and friend.

Richard O'Rourke was born on May 5, 1927 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He passed away on July 28, 2014 in Prescott, AZ, and was welcomed Home by a host of angels, his Heavenly Father, his parents and older brother, as well as many loved ones who passed before him.

Richard, his father, William, mother, Kathryn, and older brother, Bill, moved to Muncie in 1936 where he then graduated from Burris High School at the age of 18. He met his beautiful wife, Bernice (Rose) O'Rourke, in Muncie and married on 8/8/48. Richard spent many successful years working for the Indiana Gas Company, and after moving to Phoenix, Arizona, retired as a Stationary Engineer from Phoenix Memorial Hospital. Richard and Bernice had recently moved to Prescott after living in Sun City.

Over the span of his lifetime, Richard had many special achievements, the most important being a wonderful father and family man. He and Bernice raised three children in Hartford City, Indiana, eventually moving back to Muncie. Their oldest son, John O'Rourke and his wife Chere', who currently reside in Goodyear, Arizona gave Richard a granddaughter, Amy, and great grandson, Cody. Richard and Bernice's daughter, Kathy Gorospe, and her husband Chuck, currently live in Prescott and have daughter, Kaitlin Gillett, and her big brother, Kyle Gillett, his wife Julie, and 4 great grandsons of Richard's, Skyler, Ethan, Jace and Cache. Their youngest son, Patrick O'Rourke, and his wife Terry live in Northern California and have daughters Amber O'Rourke and her older sister, Crystal and husband, David Toriumi, who gave Richard his newest little great grandson, River. Patrick and Terry also have sons, Riley Sorrells and Josh Anderson. Richard also has many beloved nieces and nephews in various parts of the country who were a big part of his life, especially on yearly family campouts in southern Indiana.

Being a husband, dad, grandpa, uncle and great grandpa who dearly loved his family members, who willingly jumped in to be of service for them at every possible chance, and who provided them with campouts, fun, homemade caramels and happy childhood memories, were some of Richard's greatest achievements those, and many others, for which his family members love him immensely.

Richard was a long time member of the Masonic Lodge, honorably reaching the 33 degree, and was a Past Worshipful Master, who faithfully followed the Freemason's teachings of friendship, morality and brotherly love. He also became a member of the Scottish Rite Club after moving to Arizona and was honored to have these opportunities to unite in friendship and brotherhood with others who contemplate the glorious works of the universe and share reverence for its great Creator. Richard was known to his brothers, as well as to many loved ones and acquaintances outside of the lodge, as a man with a "heart of gold".

Richard O'Rourke will be deeply missed by his family, friends, brothers and loved ones.

Funeral services for Richard will be held at Sunland Mortuary, 15826 Del Webb Blvd in Sun City, Arizona on Saturday, August 2, 2014 beginning with viewing at 1:00 pm followed by service at 1:30 pm. He will be laid to rest at Sunland Memorial Park also in Sun City. Condolences may be offered to Richard's family by visiting www.sunlandmemorial.com




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