Obituary for 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.