Neil J. O'Rourke

Cornelius “Neil” John O’Rourke was born March 1, 1940, though his true date of birth was February 29, a leap year. It was always said that he acted his true leap-year age: young at heart and full of life.

Neil grew up in North Buffalo’s Parkside, where he was a well-known figure for his adventures around the neighborhood with his friends and his brother Mike. He will be most famously remembered for releasing the monkeys from the Buffalo Zoo, causing great excitement. He went on to attend and graduate from Bishop Timon, where he excelled at football and basketball. Many still share stories from his high school years about meeting him through “ball” and his larger-than-life personality.

After graduation, he proudly served his country in the US Army during the Vietnam War and later in the Merchant Marines, where he traveled the world and made lifelong friends. After his service, he continued to explore the US before landing back in Buffalo, NY, where he worked many years at Buffalo’s City Hall and pursued his passion for local politics, working with the Democratic Chairman and running for Councilman at Large.

To friends, he rarely went by Neil. Many would exclaim “Kahuna” as he entered a room, and there wasn’t a room where he didn’t know at least one, two, or three people. He cherished many of those friendships for 70+ years, including his lifelong friends from high school, Bernie Cryan, Don Criqui, and Peter Nolan. Many would also know Neil as a staple at Cole’s Restaurant, where he spent many Friday night dinners with his dear friend Dave Shatzel, with regular appearances by close friends Bones and Pat Smith.

To his family, he will be remembered for his humor and his elaborate storytelling. At family parties and holiday festivities, Uncle Neil would be surrounded by nieces, nephews, and loved ones, laughing at whatever he was saying, whether they believed it or not.

As the life of the party, Neil was loved by everyone around him, and he loved sharing moments with the ones he loved.

Later in life, he was an avid reader of historical fiction and war novels, mostly while relaxing by the Niagara River or Lake Mayan in Fort Lauderdale and listening to jazz.

Neil was a devoted husband, father, uncle, and friend who will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Mary; his children, Susan (Jake Greenlee) O’Rourke, Neil O’Rourke, and Matthew O’Rourke; his brother, Michael G. O’Rourke (the late Sandy); and many cherished nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Mark, and his sister, Kathleen. Family and friends may call on Friday November 6, 2026 from 4-7pm at DENGLER, ROBERTS, PERNA FUNERAL HOME, 3070 Delaware Ave. Kenmore , NY 14217. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday November 7, 2026 at 11:30am at St. Mark's Church, 401 Woodward Ave. Buffalo, NY 14214. Please assemble at church. If desired memorials may be made to Cradle Beach, in Neil's memory. Fond memories and condolences may be shared at www.denglerrobertspernafuneral.com.