Obituary for William A. O'Rourke, Jr. at Clifford Funeral Home & Cremation Service (2024)

William A. O’Rourke, Jr., M.D.

Rutland- William “Bill” O’Rourke, Jr., M.D., a.k.a.,“Bucko”, died peacefully, with his wife by his side, at Rutland Regional Medical Center on November 21, 2024 at age 93. Bill was born in Rutland, VT on June 5, 1931, the first child of Mary Hinchey O’Rourke and William A. O’Rourke, Sr.

Dr. O’Rourke practiced Medicine in Rutland for over 50 years. He retired from private practice where he specialized in Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease until he was 80 years old. He cared for his patients at RRMC and served there as a consultant in Infectious Disease for most of that time. After closing his office, he volunteered at the Rutland Free Clinic for nine years where he was highlighted as a Vermont Super Senior on WCAX- TV.

Bill was raised in Rutland, VT, graduated from Mount Saint Joseph Academy, Class of 1949, honor student and was named the class athlete, College of the Holy Cross, Class of 1953, and the University of Vermont College of Medicine, Class of 1957.

Following graduation, he interned at Ohio State University Hospitals in Columbus Ohio (1957-1958), After completing his first residency in Internal Medicine at UVM (1958-1959), he served as a Captain in the US Air Force, and was the Chief Medical Officer (Flight Surgeon) at the Robins Air Force Base in Warner Robins, Georgia. He completed his second residency and an Infectious Disease Fellowship at Georgetown University Hospital in Washington D.C. (1961-1962), then returned to his hometown of Rutland to practice.

He served as President of the Rutland Hospital Staff, the Rutland County Medical Society, and the American Heart Association, Vermont Chapter. He was a member of the Vermont State Medical Society. He was the Health Officer for the City of Rutland for eight years.

Dr. O’Rourke was dedicated to Roman Catholic Schools. He served as a CKS basketball coach. He also served for many years on the Christ the King School Board. Dr. O’Rourke may be best known for his work with the Mount Saint Joseph Athletic Association. For 32 years he was the physician for the MSJ athletic program. Dr. O’Rourke served on the MSJ School Board and helped raise money to build the cafeteria at MSJ, as well as organized the Green Wave Golf Tournament and MSJ Scholarship Program.

He received the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Mount Saint Joseph Academy (2015) part of Honor Our Past, and the Service to Medicine and Community Award from the University of VT College of Medicine (2017). Bill was a loyal alumnus of MSJ, the College of Holy Cross, and the University of Vermont College of Medicine.

In 1986, he purchased a condominium in Naples, Florida and enjoyed vacationing there. He was a long-time member of the Ruland Country Club, Imperial Golf Course of Naples, Florida, Rutland Elks Club, Post 31 American Legion, and the Knights of Columbus.

Bill, a.k.a., “Doc”, greatly enjoyed family, friends, all sports, his patients, staff and his work. He was a wonderful human, selflessly serving his community for so many decades with such honor and dignity. He loved sharing stories that made those around him smile and laugh. He was a treasure.

Bill is survived by his wife, Suzanne Kovacs O’Rourke, and her children Tammy Whelan (Kevin) and Tracey Lambert. His daughter, Julie Foley (Brian) and his grandchildren (Matthew, Mickey, Brigid and Kate), son, Jim O’Rourke (Cindy), and son, William A. O’Rourke, III (Sandy). He is further survived by his brother, R. Joseph O’Rourke (Magill), his sisters, Kathleen O’Rourke Valente, Anne O’Rourke Ratkus (Victor), and his brother-in law Mike Kovacs (Robin). Bill is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins who loved him dearly. Dr. O’Rourke was predeceased by his parents, his sister Mary Ellen Griffin (Gerry) (2021), brother-in-law, Silvio Valente (2017) and his sister-in-law Patricia O’Rourke (1990). Bill was very appreciative of the support he received, in his later years, from two dear friends, Timothy Collins and Dr. Patrick Keenan.

Memorial Contributions may be made to Christ the King School, 60 South Main Street, Rutland, VT 05701, or Mount Saint Joseph Academy, 127 Convent Avenue, Rutland, VT. 05701.

Calling hours will be held at the Clifford Funeral Home at 2 Washington Street, Rutland, VT from 4:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, November 29, 2024. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Christ the King Church on 66 South Main Street .Rutland, VT on November 30, 2024 at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 102 Meadow Street, Rutland, VT.

Arrangements are under the direction of Clifford Funeral Home in Rutland.