Ryan M. O’Rourke, 33
Dateline: Norton, MA
Ryan M. O’Rourke, age 33, a lifelong resident of Norton, passed away unexpectedly at the home of his father in Gorham, New Hampshire on Tuesday, November 23, 2021.
Born in Norwood, MA on March 11, 1988, he was a loving son of Judith A. (Morgan) O’Rourke of Norton and Richard T. O’Rourke of Gorham, NH.
Ryan grew up in Norton and was a 2007 graduate of Norton High School. While growing up, he played football, but his greatest success was on the Norton High School Wrestling Team. Historically in his junior year, he wrestled on the first year that the sport was introduced in Norton and in his senior year was named captain of the team and was a state champion winner. He was a fierce competitor and highly thought of and respected by his coaches, as well the coaches of opposing teams he went up against. He continued his love of the sport while earning an associate degree at Bridgewater State University and shared his wisdom as a Junior Varsity Wrestling Coach at Norton High School and the Attleboro YMCA.
Wrestling was second to Ryan’s love for family and friends. He also had another side which included a love for art, writing, hiking and being a free style rapper. His loss is greatly felt by all who knew and loved him, but his memory will live on forever in their hearts.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by his devoted brother and sister: Jason T. O’Rourke and his wife Mona of Florida and Shannon A. O’Rourke and her boyfriend Craig Boure of Florida. He was the cherished grandson of Ronald Morgan of California, Diane Niland and her husband Jim of Norton and the late Eugene and Judith O’Rourke. He is also survived by his loving aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Tuesday, November 30th from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp Street (Off Route 140, Taunton Avenue) Norton.
A service in celebration of his life will be held at a later date with a time and place to be announced.
In lieu of flowers, Ryan’s family has requested that donations in his memory be made to the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, 50 Federal Street, 6th Floor, Boston, MA 02110.
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com