Richard O'Rourke

Richard J. O'Rourke (Dick) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, passed away on September 7, 2021 at The McGraw Hospice Center, with his family by his side. Dick was born to Frank E. and Kathleen O'Malley O'Rourke on September 17, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY. He graduated from St. Francis Preparatory High School, Brooklyn, NY in 1951. Following graduation, Dick enlisted in the US Coast Guard and served during the Korean War. Upon his discharge, Dick began his insurance career with Marsh McLennan, the largest insurance brokerage firm in the country. While there, he attended the College of Insurance. In 1957, Dick joined Ter Bush & Powell, a regional brokerage firm in Schenectady, NY. Through the years, he held various positions in marketing, sales and management and in 1977 he was elected President of the company. After various mergers and acquisitions he retired as President of Jardine Ter Bush & Powell Insurance Brokers, an international brokerage firm. Following his retirement, Dick moved to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL in 1984. For many years, he continued to serve as a member on the Board of Directors of St. Clare's Hospital and Trustco Bank Corporation, both of Schenectady, NY. He was also a member of the Navy League of the United States and served as the Coast Guard Liaison Officer for the Mayport Florida Council. At his residence at The Cascades, he served as President of the Veterans Support Group. Dick was dedicated to working for the betterment of the lives of US Veterans. Dick was an avid golfer and was a member of the Mohawk Golf Club, Schenectady, NY, as well as Ponte Vedra Inn & Club. He also loved skiing and spent as much time as he could on the slopes with his family and friends throughout the United States as well as in Canada & Europe. Dick was a devoted husband and father. He enjoyed time with his family and always looked forward to their visits. In addition, he and his wife, Margaret, loved to travel. Dick is survived by his wife, Margaret Hogan O'Rourke and his five children: Jean Fredette (Joseph) of Saratoga Springs, NY, Tracey Duesterdick (Scott) of Niskayuna, NY, Patricia O'Rourke of Palm Coast, FL, Sherri Purcell (Michelle) of Riverview, FL and R. Matthew O'Rourke of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He is also survived by his six grandchildren, Brynn Kaelblein (Dan), Jennifer DiCapo (Brian), Megan Higgins (Greg), Jack Duesterdick, Kaelya Markl (Christopher) and Hunter Kerival Williams and 2 great-grandchildren, Corrine Kaelblein and soon to be born great-grandson Higgins. Dick is also survived by many nieces and nephews, to whom he served as a surrogate father after the early passing of his brothers. In addition to his parents, Dick was predeceased by his brothers, Frank, Charles and Robert O'Rourke, his first wife, Patricia Tracey O'Rourke, and son-in-law Robert Lory. A memorial service will be held at The Village Church, 4229 Pacetti Road, St. Augustine, Florida at 11 am on Tuesday, September 14th. Burial will be at the Jacksonville National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to the Veteran's Support Group c/o Larry Bradley, President, 1447 Castle Pines Circle, St. Augustine, FL 32092 or Franciscan Sisters of the Atonement, 411 Old Highland Turnpike, Garrison, NY 10524. Arrangements are under the care and direction of HARDAGE-GIDDENS FUNERAL HOME, Jacksonville Beach FL

LINKS

Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens

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The Daily Gazette

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