O'Rourke, John F. (Jack)
Peacefully, on July 19,2019 at the age of 99. Jack was born on March 25, 1920 in Kensington and moved
to Mayfair at the age of 10. He was a graduate of St. Timothy's Catholic Elementary School and North
Catholic High School. He joined the Army in 1943 and served in World War II as a radar operator and
repairman. Upon his discharge from the Army, he returned to Philadelphia and joined the Philadelphia
Fire Department in 1947. His career with the PFD included not only fighting fires but service in the Fire
Prevention Division and the Police and Fire Band. He retired as a Lieutenant in 1977.
Music was always an important part of Jack's life. He played the guitar, clarinet, and saxophone and for
many years was a leader of "The Ambassadors", playing at many social events until the early 1980's
when the younger generation wanted to hear more Rock 'n' Roll music.
In 1948, Jack married Helen Kistner who had grown up just across the street. Helen and Jack were
devoted to one another and provided a great example of a strong, faith filled marriage. Together they
raised four children-John (Mary Jo), Dennis (Cathy), Marian Cummings (Bob), and David.
Jack was also a special Pop- Pop to Kate Pinney (Tyler), Michael O'Rourke (Mara), Lauren Mikolajewski
(Chuck), Megan Siano (Chris), Katie O'Rourke, Kara McKeever (Joe), Ryan Cummings (Kristin), Helen
O'Rourke, and Mary O'Rourke and Great Grand Pop to Charles, Ryan, and Patrick Mikolajewski, Chase,
Cole, and Reid Pinney, and Dylan, Braedan, and Evan Siano.
Jack was a very congenial man who was always glad to see you and could put a smile on your face.
During the past several years, he accepted not only the loss of his much beloved Helen, but also the little
indignities and losses that come with old age with good humor, grace, and faith. He maintained a
positive attitude and was grateful for the caring and competent staff at Deer Meadows who cared for
him with such kindness. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing Wednesday 9:30 AM-10:15 AM at St. Timothy Church,
3001 Levick St., Philadelphia, PA 19149 followed by his Funeral Mass at 10:30 AM. Interment at Holy
Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations in his memory to the Deer Meadows
Benevolent
Association
, 8301 Roosevelt Blvd., Phila., PA 19152.