William J. O'Rourke

Scarborough, ME -- On January 1, 2015 William Joseph O'Rourke passed away in his sleep after a brief illness. He was surrounded by family and friends. Billy will be remembered as a wonderful father, brother, grandfather and friend. Born in Quincy, MA in 1949, Bill had an amazing life.  The eldest of  eight brothers and sisters, Bill was thought of as a father figure for his siblings and introduced them to a multitude of hobbies.  

An avid sailor, Bill was often on his sailboat "Natural Mystic", named after a favorite Bob Marley song.  His next greatest passion was skiing, though he also loved his Harley, skateboarding, and painting. Bill was a great artist and a true free spirit. 

Bill worked his college years with underprivileged children at Project Place in Boston and was a graduate of Boston State College. After college, he sold yearbooks, meat, and even owned his own lobster boat. Bill found his true passion when he started his own private investigation business over twenty years ago.  He was an excellent private eye and his services were used throughout the state- the dedication and attention he showed to his cases exemplified the kind of man he was. There will never be another man like Billy O. 

More than anything Bill will be remembered as a great father and friend. He was the most loving, kind, thoughtful and fun father his sons, Paul and John, could have asked for.  He taught them to be adventurous, passionate, and spontaneous, but more than that he taught them lessons of integrity and honesty.  Bill was this kind of man in the close relationships he had with his parents and siblings, and loved to see his ever-growing family throughout the years. The hundreds of photos throughout his house displayed the pride Bill had in his brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, children and grandchild.

Billbo is survived by his two children, his son Paul and his wife Emily, his son John; his granddaughter Emilia, his ex-wife Joan Cella; his mother Adelaide, his three brothers, Michael, Paul and Sean; his three sisters, Kathy, Ginny, Nancy and Chrissy, as well as many nieces and nephews.  He also leaves behind numerous family and friends. Bill was pre-deceased by his father William, and his sister Patty, and his dog Snoop.

Bill's family would like to thank everyone for their love and support, especially those who cared for and visited with him over the last month.  The family will be holding a Celebration of Life, on Sunday January 4th from 12:00-5:00 at The Centerboard Yacht Club 271 Front Street, South Portland, Maine 04106.