Obituary of John J. O'Rourke

A cloud of sadness fell upon the Spring Ford area on Saturday, October 9, 2021 when John J. O’Rourke, age 91, died peacefully in the comfort of home at Arcadia Senior Community.  For seventy years, he was married to the love of his life, Jean (Smith) O’Rourke.  John was born in Trevorton, PA a son to the late William and Catherine (Braubitz) O’Rourke. He resided most of his life in Royersford and was known to many for his little and big acts of kindness and helpfulness.

John was a graduate of Trevorton High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean Conflict of which he was very proud.  In 1955, for job opportunities, John, with his family, moved to Royersford. With forty years of service, John retired from Diamond Glass Company and was the last employee working there as they closed their doors forever.  John was a long-time member of Sacred Heart R.C. Church, Royersford and proudly served as an Usher for forty- two years. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 1374 and a Life member of the Liberty Fire Company, Spring City, Life member of the Friendship Fire Company, Royersford, member of the Spring City American Legion Thomas W. O’Connor Post 602, Royersford VFW Post 6341 and St. Pius X Athletic Association.  John served as a volunteer on the Spring City American Legion Baseball grounds crew for almost 20 years, working hard on that field up to the age of 89.

In addition to his wife, John will be forever missed by his children, Susan Rutkowski (John), Rock Hall MD, Kathi Rees (Denis) Royersford, PA and a son, Thomas O’Rourke (Wendy) Little Grove Australia.  His grandchildren, Stephen Rutkowski (Beverly), Michael Rutkowski (Sarah), Jeffrey Rees,(Danelle), Katie O’Rourke Harrison, Maegan Rees (Kaitlyn Bush), and great grandchildren, Matthew Rutkowski, Madison Rutkowski, Benjamin Rutkowski, Claire Rutkowski, Jordyn Rees, Michael Rees, Jack Harrison and Indy Harrison will miss their PopPop more than words can say.

He was so loved by his surviving sisters Ellen Stoerckert, Florida and Marie Lucas, Marysville, PA many nieces and nephews, extended friend family, many dear friends and all those who cared for him at Arcadia Senior Community. 

He is predeceased by an infant daughter Barbara Jean O’Rourke, and a sister Catherine Kobel and brothers James, William and Gerald O’Rourke.

His funeral service will be held on Saturday October 16, 2021 beginning at 12:30 PM at the Sacred Heart Church Sacred Heart Church, 838 Walnut St., Royersford PA 19468.  Monsignor Joseph Gentili will be the Officiant. Burial will follow in the Fernwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 16, 2021 in the R. Strunk Funeral Home, 400 Main St. Phoenixville PA from 9:30 – 11:30 AM.  Due to the uncertainties of Covid, masks are required.  John loved the color green and so loved his country, if possible, please wear something green or red, white, and blue. 

In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made in his memory to the St. Vincent de Paul% Sacred Heart Church, PO Box 64 Royersford, PA 19468 or the Piarist School 7279 State Rt. 321, PO Box 369 Hage Hill KY 41222.  Online condolences may be made and obituary viewed at www.RStrunkFuneralHome.com