R. Joseph “Joe” O’Rourke passed away on July 28, 2026, at his home in Rutland, Vt. He was born in Rutland on February 11, 1934, to William A. O’Rourke Sr. and Mary Hinchey O’Rourke. He attended local schools, Christ the King School and Mount St. Joseph Academy, graduating in June 1951. He then attended the College of the Holy Cross, graduating in June 1955. He served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957 on the USS Northampton (CLC-1) the flagship of the sixth fleet. Upon discharge, he attended Boston University School of Law, graduating with a JD degree in May 1960. He was admitted to the Vermont Bar in November 1960 and practiced law with the firm of Ryan Smith & Carbine, Ltd. in Rutland for 65 years, until his retirement on June 30, 2025.
As a trial lawyer, he tried cases successfully in most of the Vermont counties. He mainly represented defendants but at times represented plaintiffs. He also appeared as a criminal defense attorney in federal and superior courts.
He was admitted to practice in all Vermont courts, including the Vermont federal and Second Circuit courts, as well as the United States Supreme Court, in 1962. He was selected as a member of and admitted to the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1984. He belonged to a number of legal associations and was past president of the Rutland County Bar Association, past president of the Northern New England Defense Association, longtime chairman of the board of Ryan Smith & Carbine, Ltd., and a member of the International Association of Defense Counsel.
Locally, he served on the board of the Rutland Hospital, Inc. and the advisory board of the Vermont Federal Bank and was a longtime chairman of the board of Tuttle Law Print, Inc. He served a six-year term on the Vermont State Racing Commission, and he was also past president of the Rutland Country Club, in 1968. He was a life member of BPOE Elks 345, a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus and a member of the American Legion Post 31 Rutland.
He married Magill Eddy (who survives him) on November 29, 1991, and they were married for 35 years. He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia Wing Delany, who passed away on November 15, 1990. He was also predeceased by his parents; his sister Mary Ellen Griffin; and his brother, Dr. William A. O’Rourke Jr. He is survived by his three children, his son Bruce (Liz), his daughter, Judy Keith (Dan), and his son Joe; his stepson, Justin Eddy (Deb); stepdaughter, Victoria A. Eddy; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and siblings Kathleen Valente (Silvio, deceased) and Anne Ratkus (Dr. Victor); as well as many nieces and nephews.
Joe earned a reputation as a dedicated and compassionate attorney. He was a kind, sincere man of integrity and never had a harsh word to say. He was a mentor to many young lawyers who worked with him and a friend to all who had the pleasure of being his friend. He quietly lent a hand to those in need, never needing recognition or praise.
There will be no calling hours, in accordance with his wishes. The funeral mass will be celebrated on August 7, 2026, 11 a.m., at Christ the King Church in Rutland, Vt. He will be interned privately at Calvary Cemetery.
In the event you desire to send a contribution to a church or to Mount Saint Joseph Academy, feel free to do so, as Joe would greatly appreciate your kindness and gift.
Please visit the online guestbook at cliffordfuneralhome.