Patrick O'Rourke
By Irish Echo Staff
Patrick O’Rourke, fondly known as “PJ” by all, 90 years young, passed away peacefully in his home on November 26th, 2020. Patrick was born on October 13th, 1930 in Rathpeak, Ireland in the county of Roscommon and was one of ten children of John and Mary O’Rourke.
Patrick is survived by his wife, Nancy (nee Dunning); his siblings Michael (Woodmere NY), Willie (Ballinasloe, Co. Galway), Kathleen Guinan (Old Town, Ireland), Rose Colleran (Ballinasloe), and May McGuinness (New Inn, Ireland); his nine children and their spouses including Patrick (Carol) , John (Jamy), Thomas (Kathleen), Francis (Lorraine), Michael, Rosemarie Gannon (Fran), Kathleen Russo (Anthony), Joan Ann Cahill (Matthew) and James (Katie); his 21 grandchildren including Chris, Patrick Julian, Brianna, Megan, Kevin, Alannah, Lara, Aidan, Hayley, Ryan (Melissa), Maggie (Larry), Kerri, Francis, Patrick, James, Caroline, Salvatore, Katie, Stella, Joseph and Kennedy; his great grandchild Willow, and many many nieces, nephews and friends, both here in America and in Ireland. He is predeceased by his parents in addition to his sister Delia and brothers Marty, Thomas and John-Joe.
Patrick served in the United States Army from 1955-1957. Upon completing his tour and becoming a United States citizen he returned to Ireland to marry and bring the love of his life back to America and together Patrick and Nancy settled in Cedarhurst, New York and raised nine children. Patrick and Nancy just celebrated 63 years of marriage this past October.
Patrick's hard work and ethic led him to owning and running a successful landscaping business which is now run by his son John. Patrick was a Produce Manager for approximately 30 years in various food chains including Key Food and Bohack. He was a proud member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 3, as well as a Fourth Degree Knight for the Knights of Columbus.
Patrick was a strong and proud man in body and spirit. He had incredible faith in Our Lord and The Blessed Mother. Patrick left an indelible mark and memory of everything that is great in a human being. He always saw and expected the best in people and the love was reciprocated. He was a unique person, with a great work ethic, self-belief and self-confidence who always spoke from the heart.
Patrick relished the good things in life including a good game of golf, cards, Irish music and being surrounded by his friends and family. He never made an enemy and the number of people who called him a friend was legion.
He wished for prosperity for the land of his birth: he honored and was praised in the land of his death.
The family welcomes donations to St. Joachim’s Church as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers. St. Joachim’s Church, 614 Central Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516.
