Frank D. O'Rourke

Frank D. O’Rourke, of Berlin, CT, passed away peacefully at home on March 15, 2026, at the age of 95. He was born on May 10, 1930, in Danvers, MA.

Frank graduated from Stratford High School in 1949. He went on to attend Boston University, earning a B.S. in Education in 1953 and a master’s degree in physical education in 1957. He was an accomplished track and field athlete in both high school and college.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Frank served from April 1954 to March 1956.

Frank began his teaching career in 1957 with the Newington school system at Martin Kellogg Middle School as a physical education teacher and coach. In 1964, he was appointed to Newington High School as a physical education teacher, faculty manager of athletics, and head track coach. In 1968, he became the head boys’ cross-country coach. He continued in his teaching and coaching roles until his retirement in 1983.

In recognition of his dedication to Newington High School athletes and the strength of the track and cross-country programs he built, the Newington Board of Education renamed the high school track to the “Frank D. O’Rourke High School Track.” At the dedication ceremony on May 9, 2009, many former athletes and colleagues praised the coaching and life lessons they received from Coach O’Rourke.

Frank was a longtime member of the Berlin Lions Club, the Italian Political Independent Club of Berlin, and the Berlin Polish Political Club. He enjoyed the friendships and good times shared with his fellow members.

A loving and dedicated father and husband, Frank is survived by his children, Judith Terry and her husband Chet, with whom he lived and who provided loving and dedicated care in his final years, Kevin F. O’Rourke, Laura Ouellette, and Meg O’Rourke and her husband Jeremy Kerrick. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Fawn Ouellette (Kelly), Kevin Maher, and Sarah Laws (Sidney), and his great-grandchildren, Eli and Emory. He was predeceased by his loving wife Claire and his parents Sophie Archambault and Daniel O’Rourke.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Erickson-Hanson Funeral Home of Berlin, 111 Chamberlain Highway, Berlin, CT. A private burial will take place at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Berlin Lions Charities, Inc. P.O. Box 23, Kensington, CT 06037.

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