Joseph J. O'Rourke, 86, of Swarthmore, died July 14, 2015 at Bryn Mawr Hospital. Born in Philadelphia, he lived in Glenolden before moving to his late residence in 1972.


Joe retired in 1992 and last worked for SEPTA. He previously worked as an Electrician at the US Naval Shipyard. Joe was a US Army veteran, serving during WWII and received the WWII Victory Medal and the Army of Occupation Medal for Japan. He was a member of Herbert W. Best Post 928, VFW, Notre Dame de Lourdes R.C. Church and the Notre Dame Seniors.


Joe was a volunteer fire fighter with the Briarcliff and Woodlyn Fire Companies, and a contributing member of Garden City Fire Company #1. He volunteered at the Pennsylvania Veterans Museum and was a member of the Miniature Figure Collectors of America.

Joe was an accomplished painter in oils, chalks and watercolors. He was a history buff and an avid reader, especially military histories. Joe was a Phillies and Eagles fan who especially enjoyed his family and being with friends.


He was husband of the late Loretta M. McCrohan O'Rourke, his wife of 56 years, who died in 2013; son of the late Michael Francis and Mary Needham O'Rourke; and brother of the late Francis O'Rourke.


Joe was father of Joseph J. O'Rourke, Jr. (Dianna), Donna Marie Stewart (Tim) and Patrick M. O'Rourke, Sr. (Elise); he was also Poppy to nine grandchildren and one great granddaughter.


Visitation: 9 to 10:15AM Saturday, July 18, 2015 at the White-Luttrell Funeral Home, 311 N. Swarthmore Ave., Ridley Park.


Funeral Mass: 11:00AM at Notre Dame de Lourdes R.C. Church, Fairview Rd. and Michigan Ave., Swarthmore

Burial: SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.


Memorial gifts to Garden City Fire Co. #1, 412 Moore Rd., Wallingford, PA 19086 or the Herbert W. Best Post 928 VFW, 1805 MacDade Boulevard, Folsom, PA 19033