R. Joseph O'Rourke

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He was a kind, sincere man of integrity and never had a harsh word to say.

R. Joseph O’Rourke (Joe) passed away on the 28 day of July at his home in Rutland. He was born in Rutland, Vermont 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 of 1955. He served in the United States Navy from 1955 to 1957 on the USS Northampton (CLC-1) the flag ship of the sixth fleet. Upon discharge, he attended Boston University School of Law, graduating with a J.D. Decree in May of 1960. He was admitted to the Vermont Bar in November of 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, the Vermont Federal and Second Circuit Court as well as the United States Supreme Court in 1962. He was selected as a member and admitted to the American College of Trial Lawyers in 1984. He belonged to a number of legal associations including past President of the Rutland County Bar Association, past President of the Northern New England Defense Association, long-time 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., the Advisory Board of the Vermont Federal Bank, long-time 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.

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He quietly lent a hand to those in need, never needing recognition or praise.

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 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, as well as his stepson Justin Eddy (Deb) and his stepdaughter Victoria A. Eddy, five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and his 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 at Christ the King Church in Rutland, Vermont, on the 7th day of August, 2026 at 11:00am. He will be interned privately at Calvary Cemetery. 

In the event you desire to send a contribution to a church, or Mount Saint Joseph Academy feel free to do so as Joe would greatly appreciate your kindness and gift.