Obituary of Charles J. O'Rourke

Charles J. O'Rourke, formerly of 8th Avenue and lifelong resident of Troy, passed away peacefully at the age of 90, surrounded by love and care at the Eddy Heritage House on December 31, 2014. Born in Troy on September 8, 1924, Charles was a son of the late Martin and Loretta (Dolphin) O'Rourke. He lived in the Troy area his whole life and attendant local schools, graduating from Cohoes High School. Charles enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1942 during World War II. He was stationed on the USS Admiral and spent time overseas. He was honorably discharged in 1946 with the rank of a Seaman, First Class. Upon returning to his hometown, Charles married the former Theresa Clancy in the summer of 1946 at St. Patrick's Church in Troy. Together they shared a union that lasted 61 years until her passing in 2007 Charles was an Ironworker. First, he was employed by Ross Valve for 11 years and from there he went on to work at the Local #12 Ironworkers Union in Troy for several years. Charles was last employed by Garden Way in Troy until his retirement. Charles' family fondly remembers him as an avid golfer. He spent whole summers up at Frear Park. He was also a "huge" Duke basketball fan, especially when Christian Laettner played at that time, no one could separate him from the TV when the game was on. He was also a lifelong member of the Veterans of Lansingburgh. Survivors include his granddaughters, Maureen E. Cooper of Troy, Karyn (Tom) Lange of Troy, Eileen Kilgallon of Troy and Erin (Scott) Costello of Waterford and great grandchildren, Bianca, Andrew, Mauranda, Russell, Rylan, Bailee, Keegan, Charleigh and Reilly. Charles is also survived by one sister, Judith Brennen, of Rocherster, NY. Besides his wife, Charles was predeceased by his daughter Ann T. Kilgallon who died in 2003. He was also predeceased by his siblings Catherein Brennen, William O'Rourke and Joseph O'Rourke. The Family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the 3rd Floor staff at the Eddy Heritage House for all their love, care and compassionate throughout the years. Words cannot express their appreciation for your attentiveness. Charles' Family will receive relatives and friends from 10 AM until 12 Noon on Monday, January 5, 2015, at the Riverview Funeral Home, 218 2nd Avenue (corner of 104th Street) in Lansingburgh, where funeral services will commence at 12 Noon. Interment with military honors will follow in St. Peter's Cemetery, Troy. If you wish to remember Charles O'Rourke in a special way the family kindly requests that contributions be made in the memory of Ann T. Kilgallon and Theresa O'Rourke for the annual memorial golf tournament. In the care of Double H Ranch, 97 Hidden Valley Road, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846 Visitation 10:00 am - 12:00 pm Monday, January 5, 2015 Riverview Funeral Home 218 Second Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 Funeral Service 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm Monday, January 5, 2015 Riverview Funeral Home 218 Second Avenue Troy, New York, United States 12180 Father Thomas J. Kelly will officiate the service and lead us in prayer. Interment with Military Honors 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm Monday, January 5, 2015 St. Peter's Cemetery Oakwood Ave Troy, New York, United States 12180 Donations If you wish to remember Charles O'Rourke in a special way the family kindly requests that contributions be made in the memory of Ann T. Kilgallon and Theresa O'Rourke for the annual memorial golf tournament. In the care of Double H Ranch, 97 Hidden Valley Road, Lake Luzerne, NY 12846