Obituary of Dennis Patrick O'Rourke

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dennis P. O’Rourke, 77, of The Village of Hadley who passed away on Thursday June 8th, 2023.

  The Visitation will begin at 10:00 am The Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 21st, 2023 at Hiers-Baxley on Wedgewood Lane in The Villages. Burial will follow at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell.

Dennis was originally from Long Island, NY where he was born in Mineola to Edward and Helen O’Rourke on March 15th, 1946. He graduated from Herricks High School in New Hyde Park, NY. Dennis married Joe Ann Mielke, wife of 53 years on June 29th, 1969, in Seaford, NY. He worked as a composing room technician at Newsday, a Long Island newspaper for over 45 years where he eventually retired from. Dennis was a proud veteran of the Vietnam War and served in the 1st Air Cavalry in the U.S. Army and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in ground operations against hostile forces. Dennis was also involved in the VVA CHAPTER #1036 | Vietnam Veterans of America, where he served as the Treasurer.

Dennis is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Helen O’Rourke.

Dennis is survived by his wife Joe Ann, his son Casey and three grandchildren Jack, Nicholas and Kate, his pride and joy. He was extremely involved in the daily activities of his family and strived to ensure his loved ones were always taken care of. He enjoyed playing golf, coaching his grandsons in a bowling league as well as watch his granddaughter learn the art of dance. His two eldest grandsons will be his pallbearers.

Contributions in Dennis’ memory may be sent to the VVA Chapter #1036 | Vietnam Veterans of America.

The family of Dennis wishes to extend our sincere gratitude to the entire team at the Gainesville, FL VA hospital for their exceptional care and compassion.