Former County Executive O’Rourke passes away

Andrew O”™Rourke, who served as Westchester’s county executive from 1983 to 1997, passed away last night at the age of 79.

O”™Rourke had a long and distinguished political career. A Republican, he served on the Yonkers City Council and was a county legislator from 1974 to 1982, becoming chairman in 1978.

He was appointed county executive when Alfred DelBello resigned to become lieutenant governor of New York, and won re-election in 1985, 1989 and 1993. He ran unsuccessfully for governor in 1986. After leaving office, he served as State Supreme Court judge.

In a statement, County Executive Robert P. Astorino praised O”™Rourke for his work in rehabbing the Westchester County Center and the Westchester County Airport, and for helping to establish the county”™s North and South County Trailways.

“Those who knew him will remember him for his extraordinary wit and charm as well as his compassion for all,” Astorino said. “I offer my condolences to his family and friends and ask that we all keep Andy in our prayers.”
Astorino directed that all flags at county property be flown at half-staff in O”™Rourke”™s memory.