Ron was born in Poughkeepsie, NY . Always willing to help others in need, he dedicated much of his life to public service.

He was a member of the Roosevelt Fire Company #1 for 37 years, where he held many offices and performed the everyday tasks that kept the department running efficiently. If he wasn’t at the firehouse, you could usually find him in his work shop, creating items with expert craftsmanship.

Ron served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany, during the Korean War. After returning from Germany, he started a 39 year career, working at Texaco Research, Glenham, NY, as a Senior Chemical Specialist, retiring in 1992.

On January 4, 1993, Captain O’Rourke suffered a fatal heart attack while returning from a detail. Ron is survived by his wife, Joan and daughters Kathie and husband Fred, and Jan and granddaughters Megan and Amy.