Richard George O'Rourke

Richard George O'Rourke from Wilmington, North Carolina passed away on November 28, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on July 8, 1940, in Woonsocket, Rhode Island to the late Laura Belle Jalette O'Rourke and George Joseph O'Rourke of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Ann Jones O Rourke; daughter, Deborah O'Rourke Quinn (Jeffrey) of Wilmington, North Carolina; grandsons, Richard Alexander "Alex” Haynes of Saratoga Springs, New York, and Michael Shane O'Rourke II, of Wilmington, North Carolina; brother, Kenneth John O'Rourke (Shelvie) of Wilmington, North Carolina; sister, Gail Sharon O'Rourke of Cumberland, Rhode Island; sisters-in-law, Barbara McMahon O'Rourke of Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Pamela Jones Kelly (Ricky), Lynne Jones VanStory both of Wilmington, North Carolina, and son-in-law, Patrick John Berry of Saratoga Springs, New York. Richard was predeceased by his son; Michael Shane O'Rourke of Wilmington, North Carolina, daughter; Sharon Maureen O'Rourke Berry of Saratoga Springs, New York, brother; Charles Thomas O'Rourke of Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

Richard moved to Wilmington with his family in 1955.

He graduated from New Hanover High School in 1958 and Wilmington Junior College in 1961. Following college, he worked at Timme Corporation, a textile mill, as lab supervisor for 25 years and as an inspector in the Aircraft Division at the Wilmington General Electric facility until his retirement in 2008.

In his early years, he enjoyed square dancing with the Hanover Swingers and 76'ers Clubs with his dearest of friends, Charles and Carol Carroll, Melton and Bobby Sellers, Mary and Walter Sisson and Betty and Joe Massari, affectionately referred to as the "Riegelwood Group", and traveling with his longtime, cherished friends, Linda and Chad Chadwick.

A celebration of life for Richard will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 16 North 16th Street, Wilmington, NC 28401.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Hospice Services, 420 Eastwood Road, Suite 102, Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 or St. Paul's Episcopal Church at the address above.

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