Daniel K. O'Rourke

Whitehall-Daniel Kennedy O’Rourke, 92, of Elizabeth Street, passed away on Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at his home with his loving family by his side.  He was the son of the late John F O’Rourke and Alice Kennedy O’Rourke.

Dan graduated from Mount Saint Joseph’s Academy in Rutland, Vt. He received his teaching degree from St. Michael’s College in Winooski, VT, and went on to receive his graduate degree in Administration from St. Lawrence University in Canton, NY and a degree in Guidance from SUNY Albany. Dan taught English at Minerva High School for 13 years before moving to Bolton Landing to become the Guidance Counselor for BOCES, where he served four area schools. In 1967 he accepted a job as Guidance Counselor at Whitehall Jr. Sr. High School where he worked until his retirement in 1983.

He married the love of his life on August 20, 1960 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Fort Ann, NY. They enjoyed nearly 57 years together. His faith and his family were the most important to him.  He especially enjoyed holiday gatherings with family and friends at his home. Everyone was always welcome. He was beloved for his gentle spirit, his kindness to his countless students, and his Irish wit.  He could “light up a room” with his presence.  His often times impish behavior brightened the lives of those who knew and loved him.

Dan was an avid fan of the Red Sox, Boston Celtics and Dallas Cowboys. He enjoyed watching horse racing and college sports.  He was a member of the NYS Retired Teachers Association and a life member of the Knights of Columbus.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, John and his sisters, Mary and Margaret O’Rourke. Dan is survived by his wife, Barbara, daughter Kelly Thomas and husband, Paul, of Queensbury, son Dr. Daniel J O’Rourke and wife, Debbie, of Hanover, NH, and grandsons, Ryan and Tim O’Rourke. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews as well as grand-nieces and grand-nephews.  He is also survived by a special sister-in-law, Sister Rita Jean DuBrey, CSJ, of Hagaman, NY.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 AM on Saturday, August 19th at Our Lady of Hope Roman Catholic Church with the Pastor Rev. Rendell Torres officiating. Burial will follow at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm on Friday, August 19th at the Jillson Funeral Home Inc., 46 Williams Street, Whitehall, NY.

 In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials in the form of donations to Our Lady of Hope Church, 9 Wheeler Ave, Whitehall, NY or High Peaks Hospice and Palliative Care, 79 Glenwood Ave, Queensbury, NY.

The family would like to thank High Peaks Hospice for the care and compassion shown to Dan and family during the past several months.

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