[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 41 (Monday, March 2, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E240-E241]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF BILL O`ROURKE, JR

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOSEPH D. MORELLE

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 2, 2020

  Mr. MORELLE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of Bill O'Rourke, Jr., a beloved pillar of our community, who passed 
away on January 28, 2020.
  Mr. O'Rourke was above all an educator, coaching hundreds of students 
in the Webster Central School District for over forty years. Under the 
coaching of his father, O'Rourke became an outstanding player at St. 
John

[[Page E241]]

Fisher, eventually leading the New York Knicks to draft him. During his 
tenure at Webster Thomas High School, he coached the boys' varsity 
basketball team where he was inducted into the Section V Basketball 
Hall of Fame and the Frontier Field Walk of Fame. He completed his 
career with two Section V championships and 468 wins.
  O'Rourke understood that the game of basketball is mastered not 
simply through dedication, but with a commitment to spirit and 
integrity. We did not just lose a wonderful basketball coach, we lost a 
devoted man who dedicated his life to his family, friends, and 
community. His legacy will live on through his family, his players, and 
the hundreds of lives he touched. He is survived by his wife, Marsha 
Barber, five children, two grandchildren, one brother, and one niece.
  While I am saddened by Mr. O'Rourke's passing, it brings me great 
pleasure to have represented a man who lived his life inspiring all 
those around him. My heart is with his entire extended family.
  Given the above, I ask that this Legislative Body join me to 
recognize Bill O'Rourke, Jr.

                          ____________________