CARIBOU – Neil J. O’Rourke, 63, beloved husband of Shelley (Barnes) O’Rourke, died in her loving arms Thursday, Dec. 10, 2009, in Caribou. He was born March 5, 1946, in Waterbury, Conn., the son of the late John F. and Mary (Pettit) O’Rourke. Neil was a house painter; he worked for Creative Management, Waterbury, Conn., for a number of years and was a self-employed contractor for many years before moving to Maine, where he worked for C.S. Management, Inc. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War era. He was a member of Henry B. Pratt Post No. 15 American Legion, a past member of Ancient Order of Hibernians – AOH and Eagles Club of Waterbury, Conn., and a third degree knight. Neil was a very loving and devoted husband and father, always putting family first. Neil also loved playing pool with his buddies at the Legion and socializing with the boys at McDonald’s. He was loved and respected by all that knew him. In addition to his wife, he leaves a brother, Shaun and his wife, Maggie, of Naugatuck, Conn.; his mother-in-law, Edwena Theroux of Caribou; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Deanna and Wayne Little of Caribou, Sandy and Colleen Maskell of Waterbury, Conn., Berkley Gadwah of Meriden, Conn., and Wilma Recor of Harrington, Del.; his special friend and cousin, Beth Cameron of Waterbury, Conn.; several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; his dear friend, Don Chatman; and his faithful companion, Brody. His beloved son, Neil Jr.; a brother, Michael; and his sister, Maureen McNamara, predeceased him. Thank you to Dr. Carl Flynn, the nurses at Cary Medical Center and Pines, and his wonderful homemakers for their loving care. Friends may call 10 a.m. until time of services Saturday, Dec. 12, at Mockler Funeral Home, 24 Reservoir St., Caribou, with military services beginning 10:15 a.m. by the officers and members of American Legion. Funeral services will be held 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the chapel of the funeral home with the Very Rev. Jean-Paul Labrie officiating. Spring interment will take place at the Maine Veterans’ Cemetery, Caribou. For an online register, please go to www.mocklerfuneralhome.com.
NEIL J. O’ROURKE
