William Francis O'Rourke

Sgt. (T) William Francis O’Rourke, age 89, of Lebanon Twp., NJ passed away on Monday, November 21, 2022 at home.

He was born on November 23, 1932 in Richmond Hills, NY.  He was a lifelong resident of Hunterdon County.

He was the son of the late Walter L. and Virginia Lynch O’Rourke.

He was the husband of Barbara Helbing O’Rourke.  The couple were married in October of 1961 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in High Bridge.

He was a US Army Sergeant, serving during the Korean War from 1951 to 1954.  A member of the Honor Guard, he was stationed at the Dai-Ichi building in Japan for 2.5 years. William is currently featured as a recognized veteran at CK Hoffman Veterans Memorial Park in High Bridge, NJ.   

William was a graduate of High Bridge High School.  Until his retirement in 1992, he was an Estimator, working for various companies including J.P. Fyfe in Clinton Twp., NJ.

Memberships include St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in High Bridge, NJ where he was previously a member of their Knights of Columbus.  He was also a 20+ year exempt member of the Califon Fire Company.

William was an avid outdoorsman.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and water skiing.  He especially loved traveling to the Adirondacks in NY during any of the four seasons. 

Survivors in addition to his loving wife of 61 years include two children; Erin O’Rourke of Frenchtown, NJ and William Francis O’Rourke II and his wife Sharon of Lebanon Twp., NJ.  Two grandchildren; Zoie Lawson and her husband Chas of Friday Harbor, WA and Ziah Guidotti of Friday Harbor, WA.  Two great-grandchildren.  One sister; Mary Wescoe and her husband Lloyd of MD.  Several nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by two brothers; Walter O’Rourke and Ronald O’Rourke. 

Calling hours will take place on Monday, November 28, 2022 from 10am to 11am with funeral service following at 11am at Naughright-Scarponi Funeral Home, 66 Main Street, High Bridge, NJ.  Interment at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Hampton, NJ.

Memorials can be made to the Califon Fire Company, PO Box 178, Califon, NJ 07830. 

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