William J. O'Rourke Jr.

I remember one game day. I was driving myself and three other players to Thomas for an "away" game. The usual winter weather was bad. Snow , ice, and frigid temperatures.......We were running late (ugh!), and by the time we pulled into the Thomas parking lot, everybody was already on the bus. EVERYBODY!!! Darn (lol!)! Spurred on by my instigating amigos, they INSISTED, with absolutely NO other option, that I do a "donut" with the car. (if you´re from Webster, you know what "donuts"...

One time, when Bill and I were talking basketball," I said you were a great shooter in your day, but you weren't even the best shooter in your family. Tom was." He laughed and agreed. Wha a terrific guy.

During some troubled times in my
college years, I stopped off a couple of
times at the O'Rourkes, hoping they they
could give me some healing. Each time I
entered their home, it was like entering my
own home...comfortable, accepting, and warm.
I was always given good, upbeat, solid advice
(along with some delicious, ice cold cider).
Mr, O'Rourke and Dotty were wonderful!!!

I had the great opportunity to play for
Me. O'Rourke, but it...

Having the privilege of having Bill as my Spanish teacher in his early career, I feel like my life has been made just a little bit better because he touched my heart with his kindness, humor and work ethics...my condolences to the entire family and I know heaven has gained an amazing angel...

I spent eight lucky seasons covering Bill's basketball teams ... our weekly chats were usually lengthy, touching upon both basketball and life. I can still hear the warmth in his voice 30 years later; it was like chatting with my best buddy. I think he made everyone feel that way. Special people like Bill don't come around too often.

A wonderful educator & role model for all. Our daughters were enriched during Spanish class by his caring attitude. The McAlpin family.

When I was a teacher at RLT, I was lucky enough to have a classroom very near to Bill's. So every day I was blessed with his calm, upbeat, funny presence. In so many ways, both large and small, he made all of our lives better. After an open house one evening I commented that my mouth was so dry I could hardly speak. Bill mentioned that Life Savers helped alleviate that. So every year, on the day of our open house, there was a package of Life Savers in my faculty mailbox along with an...

He was a true gentleman and a super basketball coach He touched the lives of many people not only in basketball but in ever day life He will be greatly missed by many people especially his family I enjoyed coaching against him knowing that your team was going to be playing against a well coached team I had the pleasure of coaching against both Bill and his late father both true gentlemen of the game there are many people who are better off because they were able to inter act will Bill

To the O'Rourke family --- we are truly sorry for your loss. We would like to offer you and your family our deepest and most sincere condolences --- we remember Bill as a scholar, a great basketball player for SJFC and a fine gentleman!

Dr. James and Sandi Brooks