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BORN
1992
DIED
2020
Cameron O'Rourke Obituary
Santa Ana - September 15, 1992 - September 14, 2020
Cameron Joseph O'Rourke of Santa Ana, California, originally from Wayne, New Jersey passed away on Monday, September 14, just one day shy of his 28th birthday. Cameron was a powerful source of comfort and light to a monumental number of people who he helped and supported throughout the years, despite his own very personal struggle with mental health and addiction. He will always be remembered for his charismatic personality and will be deeply missed.
Cameron was born on September 15, 1992, the oldest child of Terence and Cathleen O'Rourke. He is survived by his parents as well as his loving siblings, Riley and Chandler. Cam was the cherished nephew of Kate and John Gawryluk, Barbara O'Rourke, Peggy and Brian O'Neill, Eileen Sumner, Pattie D'Errico, Beverly and Daniel Obiso, and Robert and Arleen Fairclough. He was the beloved cousin of Mariel D'Errico, Robert and Stephanie Fairclough, and David and Matthew Obiso. He also leaves behind many, many devoted friends.
As a child, Cameron was fun-loving and adventurous. He always had a way of making people laugh. He loved to pull pranks. If you knew him well, you no doubt have a story about his ability to tell you the most outrageous tale, but he would tell it in a way that made you believe it, and as soon as you fell for it, he would burst out laughing and you would realize he got you again! He was a modern-day Evil Knievel. From dirt bikes to street bikes to skydiving to swimming with seals - aka shark bait - he was always up for an adventure and would never say no to the next thrilling idea.
His was a long and difficult journey, but true to his personality, Cameron was always there to help others battle the same struggles he was all too familiar with. Most recently, Cameron acquired a position at a treatment facility where he worked tirelessly helping others overcome their own substance issues.
One of the many fruits of Cameron's struggle was his reconnection and strengthening of his Faith and his embrace of Christianity through the amazing support of Eddie Burgess and Pastor John Blue and Mark Hitman of Pacific Point Church. His family will be forever grateful for the gift of faith that has eased their grief and helped Cameron so fully prepare to enter the Kingdom of God.
The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love they have received during these difficult days and are comforted to hear the sharing of stories about the impact that Cameron has had on people near and far.
A funeral mass for immediate family and friends will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church 25 Purdue Ave. Oakland, NJ on Saturday, October 3 at 10am. Due to Covid restrictions placed on the church by the State of New Jersey and the Archdiocese of Newark, the church can only allow a maximum of 125 people inside. We encourage all to join us to celebrate Cameron's life via live stream. Further information on the arrangements being made to record and live stream the service will be available on Cathleen O'Rourke's Facebook page.
Donations in Cameron's memory can be made to:
Pacific Point Church - https://www.pacificpointchurch.com/give
Memories and Condolences
for Cameron O'Rourke
20 Entries
Lauren Parian Spiller
May 16, 2023
Cameron was one of the most dynamic, fun, bright students I ever taught. My heart aches with this news. I remember when he made and presented to the entire school about autism and how treasured he was by his friends in the STARS program. I will never, ever forget the twinkle in his eye and the joy he brought to any room he was in.
Paul and Debbie Rauch
October 3, 2020
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Wishing you peace at this difficult time.
Peggy Shea & Jean Bashford
October 1, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Sharon spear
September 24, 2020
To our dearest cameron rest in peace . Love uncle bobby ,aunt sharon, chaz, fletcher and mr spear
Kevin Sorbanelli
September 23, 2020
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
Danielle Davis
September 22, 2020
I'm really heartbroken hearing about Cameron passing. He was always so nice and friendly to me. I didn't see him to often after Wayne Valley but always he had a smile on his face and everytime I saw him he would always say hi to me. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time. Love Always, Danielle
Tracy Mara
September 21, 2020
From the first moment Cameron stepped into my middle school classroom I knew there was something truly unique about him. Cameron was one of my first peer volunteers working with children with disabilities in a program he named “STARS.” It takes a special person to understand children with differences and perhaps Cameron’s personal struggles was what made him shine. He was able to make connections and go above and beyond with my students. One of my fondest memories is when the class went on an ice skating trip and Cameron joined to help. One of my students, who was extremely frightened and didn’t speak, was hugging the wall of the skating rink. Cameron asked if he could help. He was able to gain the trust of the student and skated backwards while holding the child’s hands. It may not seem like much, but this gesture forged a trust and bond between the two. Just a small piece of the Cameron I knew. My heart has broken at the news of Cameron’s passing. He was one of those students who was just unforgettable. I will always remember his huge smile and will forever hold a special place in my heart for him. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Mrs. Tracy Mara
Zachary Nystrom
September 21, 2020
One of the most wonderful people I have ever met. Reconnecting from time to time over the years, you always welcomed me back with open arms. You were so kind and bright spirited. I’m so grateful you made me visit you in California on my road trip both years. I was really happy for you, the people around you really loved and cared about you and I felt you finally found a good place to stay sober and love life. I was really happy to hear you were doing well and surrounded by good people. I had an urge to contact you and reconnect again, since the last time I saw you was at the taco place in Huntington. Unfortunately by the time I tried to call it was too late. Deeply hurt the last time I hugged you goodbye would be the last time I saw you. Love you Cameron, I’m so sorry you were hurting this bad, and I’m sorry I couldn’t help more. I will never forget all the good times we had, or all the amazing places and people you introduced me to in CA. I’ll never be able to be in that state and not think of you. Thank you for everything, may you Rest In Peace.
Cynthia Maguire
September 21, 2020
Our sincerest sympathies to you and your family. Cameron was a very special young man. We all have such fond memories of our Hunters Run extended family. May he Rest In Peace and may you find comfort in all your memories of Cameron. Bill, Cynthia and Marissa Maguire
Liz
September 21, 2020
Cameron, I just can't get it. I was so happy that we got contact after such a long time. I loved watching your pics and statements. I was happy to talk to you. Honestly, i am really sad you've gone. You have been so young and live was just starting. I am speechless.
Your pranks have been famous. You've got me all the time. Sometimes, you made me totally nuts. You have been so tricky and smart, you have been so friendly, such a big smile, i will never forget.
To get to know that you have gone is hitting really hard. I know how it feels when a brother is going. But I dont want to imagine how it feels to loos a son. Cathy, Terry, Riley and Chandler, I feel so sorry for this huge loss. My deepest Condolences.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Christina Viera
September 20, 2020
RIP Cameron, we graduated high school together and I had a few classes with you, I remember your bright personality, you were so nice to everyone! My deepest condolences to all your family and friends
Christina Viera
September 20, 2020
RIP Cameron, we graduated high school together and I had a few classes with you, I remember your bright personality, you were so nice to everyone! My deepest condolences to all your family and friends
Donna Dericks
September 20, 2020
Terri and Cathy prayers to you for your unimaginable loss and grief.
Jim and Donna Dericks
Bill and Lisa Marotta
September 20, 2020
Keeping your family in our hearts and prayers in the heartbreaking loss of your son. May he rest in eternal peace.
Bill and Lisa Marotta
Bill and Lisa Marotta
September 20, 2020
Keeping your family in our hearts and prayers in the heartbreaking loss of your son. May he rest in eternal peace.
Bill and Lisa Marotta
Suzanne
September 20, 2020
Cameron your smile could light up a room and despite your inner pain you were always such a pleasure to be around. Rest now Cameron.
Nicholas Piccininni
September 20, 2020
I’ll always remember you Cameron. One of the nicest sweetest kids I have ever met and smart too! We would chill here and there and you were always a great person. I remember in middle school one time we came to school with same jacket and I was so mad lol but came to find out that you were an amazing person and the best friend anyone could ask for. Love you Cam. You’ll never be forgotten. RIP and I hope we could rejoice when this life is over.
Nicholas Piccininni
September 20, 2020
I’ll always remember you Cameron. One of the nicest sweetest kids I have ever met and smart too! We would chill here and there and you were always a great person. I remember in middle school one time we came to school with same jacket and I was so mad lol but came to find out that you were an amazing person and the best friend anyone could ask for. Love you Cam. You’ll never be forgotten. RIP and I hope we could rejoice when this life is over.
Showing 1 - 20 of 20 results
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Oct
3
Funeral Mass
10:00 a.m.
Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church
25 Purdue Ave., Oakland, NJ
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