Robert Joseph O'Rourke

Robert (known as “Bob” or “Bobby” to all) was born April 25, 1951 in Boston, Massachusetts to Gertrude and Joseph O’Rourke. One of seven siblings, he spent his early years living in Dorchester before moving to Rockland as a child. As part of Rockland High School’s graduating class of 1969, Bob’s peers crowned him as the “most courteous” student – an honor he cherished dearly and effortlessly lived by for the remaining days of his life.

After graduating from Rockland High School, Bob enlisted in the United States Air Force as a medic with intentions to attend medical school after the Vietnam War. While awaiting deployment, Bob suffered a life-altering neck injury, which thwarted those plans. Searching for a new direction in life, fate would strike, when Bob’s newest co-worker at the local dry cleaners, Susie, walked in.

For the next 55 years, Bobby did not let Susie leave his side. In 1973, the two married and soon thereafter settled in Hanover, where they raised their two children, Megan and Brendan. For nearly four decades, Bob slowed traffic along Main Street as he seemingly stopped and talked to each and every car passing by.

As a true Hanoverian with a calling to help others, Bob served as a call firefighter in Hanover, and later, as a member–and President–of the Tri-Town Rotary. In these capacities, among others, Bob routinely put others before himself and was always willing to lend a helping hand. After years of working in various capacities with both his mind and his hands, Bob’s final act of service was as a driver for Brewster Ambulance—where not only would he transport those in need to various medical appointments, but he would ensure that they felt comfortable, at ease, and heard along the way.

For those who knew Bobby, knew him as a special breed. He was equal parts funny and kind, gentle and sweet. He was a gentlemen in the truest sense with a sense of humor second to none. Above all, however, Bobby’s pride and joy was his family, whom he loved with all his heart.

Bobby is survived by his devoted wife Sue (Mullin), and his two loving children, Megan Kischko and her husband Mark of Hanover, and Brendan O’Rourke and his wife Whitney (DeSena) of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. Adoring Papa to his three grandsons Cooper and Finn Kischko and Henry O’Rourke, his loving presence as their proud grandfather will be so very missed.

Bobby is predeceased by both of his parents, his brother Brian, and his sister Maureen Sealund. He is survived by his four brothers—Rick, Kevin, Paul and Jack—as well as by dozens of his “favorite” brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews – who, no doubt, felt the same favoritism towards him.

Visiting hours will be held at Sullivan Funeral Home, 551 Washington Street, Hanover, on Thursday, April 30 from 4-7 PM. A funeral mass will be celebrated Friday, May 1 at 9 AM at Our Lady of the Angels (St. Mary’s), 392 Hanover Street, Hanover. Burial will be private.

Contributions may be made in his memory to the Tri-Town Rotary.