Joseph Patrick O'Rourke

Dr. Joseph Patrick O’Rourke, age 95, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 4, 2016. He was born on November 30, 1920 in Glasgow, Scotland to the late Joseph Patrick and Elizabeth (Wallace) O’Rourke.

A veteran of WWII, he served as a Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne (Screaming Eagles). He was a recipient of The Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star Medal and two Purple Hearts. He fought in the Invasion of Normandy (D Day) and the Battle of the Bulge.

He graduated and served as the class Valedictorian at Holy Family High School, Class of 1939. He earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degrees from The Ohio State University. He was a member of Phi Delta Kappa. He taught at Dublin High School, Oakland Park Elementary and Central High School and was an adjunct professor with The Ohio State University College of Education. He retired as a Readability Consultant with the World Book Encyclopedia.

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife of 69 years, Wilma O’Rourke; sister Mary Grodell; brother David O’Rourke; and nephew Doug Monaco.

He is survived by his children, Joseph (Susan) O’Rourke, Annette (Roger) Christman and Kathleen (Craig) Wanner; former daughter-in-law, Elizabeth O’Rourke; grandchildren, Jennifer (Jerry) Walraven, Joseph (Linda) O’Rourke, Anna (Randy) Helpman, Amber (Michael) Swickrath, Alissa Wanner; great grandchildren, Rosey Helpman, Olivia and Colin O’Rourke, Greta Walraven, Wyatt and Dexter Swickrath; step-great-grandchild, Ava Hume; sister Elizabeth (Carlo) Monaco; and many nieces and nephews.

Family will receive friends from 4-8 PM on Monday, February 8, 2016 at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N High Street, Worthington, Ohio 43085. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Tuesday, February 9, 2016 at Resurrection Cemetery Chapel, 9571 N High Street, Lewis Center, Ohio, 43035. Interment to follow services.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Jubilee Museum, c/o St. Mary Church Business Office, 684 S. Third Street, Columbus, Ohio 43206 or to the Holy Family Soup Kitchen and Ministries to the Poor, 57 S Grubb St, Columbus, OH 43215 in his memory.