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The Life of Jack R. O'Rourke

Jack Robert O'Rourke, 80, of Luther Haven, Topton, and formerly of Lake Wynonah, Auburn, passed away on Tuesday, July 24, 2018 in The Lutheran Home at Topton. He was the loving husband of Nancy J. (McCutcheon) O'Rourke, whom he married on October 6, 1979. Born in 1938 at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Jack was a son of the late Jack O'Rourke and Bertha Mae (Calland) Foster. He was a graduate of Lansdowne - Aldan High School and Philadelphia College of Bible.

Jack honorably and faithfully served his country in The United States Air Force, retiring after 22 years of service as a Captain. During his years of service, Jack earned the USAF Master Air Navigation and Electronic Warfare ratings; the Air Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters and Combat Crew Award. After his retirement, Jack worked as a Media Specialist for 18 years with Hamburg Center and Berks County Intermediate Unit.

A devout Christian, Jack served as a Methodist Lay Speaker for 25 years, preaching that God's word is amazing and reliable. He was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven, where he selflessly volunteered his time as a Sunday School teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, member of the Missions Committee, church choir and was also a vocal soloist. He also attended and served at Emmanuel United Methodist Church, Fleetwood. Jack had a love for astronomy, photography, sailing and singing. 

In addition to his wife of 38 years, Nancy, Jack is survived by his four children, Janet O'Rourke, Homer, AK, Shawn O'Rourke and Glen O'Rourke, both of North Pole, AK, Michael O'Rourke, Kenai, AK; three step-children, Suzanne Carr, Wilmington, DE, Alfred Schaub, Exeter Twp., PA, and Karl Schaub, Milford, PA; brother, Scott Foster, Memphis, TN, and sister, Heather Hess, Danville, PA; seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family will host a memorial service to celebrate Jack's life on Saturday, August 4, 2018 at 11:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven, 420 Saylor Street, Schuylkill Haven, PA. Military honors provided by The United States Air Force, Base Honor Guard, Dover, DE, and a luncheon will follow the memorial service.

The family requests contributions be made in Jack's memory to First United Methodist Church of Schuylkill Haven, 420 Saylor Street, Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972. Ludwick Funeral Homes, Inc., Topton, is in charge of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.Ludwickfh.com.

Filter Jack R. O'Rourke's Timeline by the following Memory Categories

Military Service

Branch:
Air Force
Rank:
Unknown

2018.07.30
Christmas Putz

I lost track of Jack and Nancy after they retired from thier careers in working with special needs persons. I found both of them at the Topton Luthean Home a number of years ago when I went to visit my mother-in-law who resided there. She suggested that we go to the Christmas Putz. I was totally surprised to find that Jack was the narrator of the program! He did such a wonderful job operating the display and telling the story. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Jack and Nancy that day. It was so good to see them both and talk with them. I will miss you Jack. God Speed Sir!

Posted by Tim W on 07/30/2018

2019.01.01
Encourager

Jack was my best friend in collage.  He encouraged me to do better and was such a blessing in my life.  We both seved in the military during the Vietnm war. He was the best man at my wedding and  I was best man at his wedding and I thank the Lord for his life, his ministry andwe will meet again some day.

Posted by David B on 01/01/2019