Joseph O'Rourke Obituary

Joseph Kevin O'Rourke GOOSE CREEK - Joseph Kevin O'Rourke , 64, of Goose Creek, South Carolina died on Saturday, June 14, 2014, in Goose Creek, South Carolina. He was born Monday, June 20, 1949 in Manhattan, New York. He was the son of the late Joseph O'Rourke and Claire Lawpaugh O'Rourke. Joseph grew up in Jarrett, VA, and graduated Greensville County High School in 1967. In 1969 he enlisted in the United States Air Force and then the United States Navy, having served in Desert Storm. He retired as a United States Naval Lieutenant with over 27 years of service. Joseph received the following medals and merits in the military; Kuwait Liberation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (2 Gold Stars), Meritorious Unit Commendation (3 Bronze Stars), Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal (2 Bronze Stars), Navy Expeditionary Medal (2 Bronze Stars), Marksman Pistol Ribbon, Southwest Asia Service Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Joseph was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus where he was the former Grand Knight from 1999-2000. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Maria Villamer O'Rourke of Goose Creek, SC; son, Christopher Joseph O'Rourke and his wife, Heather of North Charleston, SC; daughter, Stephanie Joy Harmon and her husband, Christopher of Goose Creek, SC; three grandchildren; Lily Sharp, Lucianna Harmon and Lucas Harmon of Goose Creek, SC, one brother; Jim O'Rourke and his wife, Linda of MD; and one sister; Kathy O'Rourke of Fla. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 AM on Friday, June 20, 2014 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Interment will follow in Beaufort National Cemetery, Beaufort, SC. The family will receive friends from 6-8 PM on Thursday, June 19, 2014 in the Goose Creek Chapel of McAlister-Smith Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.McAlister-Smith.com Arrangements have been entrusted to MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME 869 St. James Avenue, Goose Creek, SC 29445 (843) 553-1511. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston