John P. Rorke

KENT — John P. Rorke passed away suddenly on Feb. 12, 2017, at his home, shortly after his 79th birthday. He was born on Jan. 21, 1938.

John was born in Dundalk, Ontario, Canada. He attended Kent School and Trinity College in Hartford. He was a history teacher for 30 years in New Jersey and New York state. In the last 20 years, he ran an orientation program for the King’s Scholars from Thailand, students who come to the U.S.A. to attend American universities. He served on the Kent U.N. program, Templeton Farms, the Kent Democratic Town Committee and the Brookwoods Association board. 

John also was a loyal and enthusiastic Boston Red Sox fan.

John is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Jacqueline Slayer; his son, Andrew Rorke and his wife, Linda, of Ventura, Calif.; his daughter, Kirsten and her husband, George Yarbrough, of Staten Island, N.Y.; one grandson, Michael Yarbrough; his brother, the Rev. Steve Rorke and his wife, Jeanne, of Alexandria, Va.; a niece, Robyn and her husband, Bryan Sinquefield, and their two children, Eric and Vera, of Alexandria.

A memorial service is planned for the spring. Condolences may be sent to jsrorke@earthlink.net. 

The Kenny Funeral Home in Sharon has charge of arrangements.