John O'Rourke

John O’Rourke, 74, longtime resident of Jacksonville, passed away August 21, 2011. He was born in Cumberland, Maryland, son of the late Hugh Michael and Kathleen (Cunningham) O’Rourke. John joined the Marine Corps after graduating from LaSalle High school and saw action in Vietnam where he earned a purple heart.

He married Margie Hancock and they have three children. His favorite times were traveling with his family and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved children and his community and spent many years coaching soccer in Irmo, SC.

John spent much of his working life as an advocate for Disabled Veterans through his work at the V.A. and the V.F.W.

John is predeceased by a brother, James T. O’Rourke along with his wife Rose and sister, Anne Breaux along with her husband Joe, brother Joseph O’Rourke.

Surviving are his loving wife, Margie, sons, David Allen O’Rourke, Hugh Michael (Tena) O’Rourke and daughter, Bridget (Gary) Pudimat, 2 grandchildren, Jordan and Nolan, brother, Bob (Pat) O’Rourke, sisters, Jean (Bill) Eady, S. Rita O’Rourke SSND, Mary Keller and numerous other relatives and dear friends.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 26, from 6 – 8 pm at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 4115 Hendricks Ave, Jacksonville, FL. 32207. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, August 27 at 2:00 pm at Prince of Peace Catholic Church, 6320 Bennett Road, Jacksonville, FL.32216. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery, time and date to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in his name may be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project or the Diabetes Association.