Paul Michael O’Rourke, age 89, of Marion, passed away Monday, March 7, 2016 at Fairhaven Community in Upper Sandusky, Ohio.
Paul was born November 7, 1926, in Toledo, Ohio to the late Paul J. and Louise A. (Flanagan) O’Rourke.
In 1944 Paul graduated from Kenton High School, enlisted proudly serving his country during WWII in the Navy. After an honorable discharge, Paul attended Bowling Green State University and later worked for American Tobacco and St. Regis Paper Company.
He married Norma Buck December 1, 1951 who survives.
A dedicated and energetic Educator starting in 1952, Paul was a well-educated man and enjoyed passing along his wealth of knowledge to his students at Harding High School where he was the Chairman of the Social Studies Department and taught Government until his retirement in 1980. He directed the Intramural Sports programs and was the Tennis Coach for a number of years. In 1961, Paul became the first Marion City Recreation Director and stayed with the department until 1979. He set up numerous programs for all ages. His work with youth was particularly noteworthy including the “Swinger Youth Program”. He worked an additional twenty years for Showe Property Management, managing multiple properties at different locations.
Paul was a member of St. Mary Church in Marion, Knights of Columbus Council 671, AARP and The Retired Teachers Association. He enjoyed volunteering at St. Vincent de Paul. Best known as “The Handsome one”. He was also a lifelong fan of Notre Dame Football. Go Irish!
Paul is survived by his wife, Norma; children, LCDR Navy Ret Michael (Claire) O’Rourke, Kevin O’Rourke, and Kathy O’Rourke all of Marion; and sister, Patricia Scanlin of Galloway, Ohio.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:30 am Monday, March 14, 2016 at St. Mary Catholic Church with Father Thomas Buffer presiding. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery where Military Honors will be presented by The Marion County United Veterans Council. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Paul’s honor to St. Mary Church or St. Vincent de Paul.
Gunder/Hall & Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the O’Rourke Family and online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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