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Skip's obituary

Franklin “Skip” O’Rourke

January 26, 1959 – December 12, 2025

Though his given name was Franklin, he was known and loved by everyone simply as Skip. He had a deep love for photography and a gift for capturing meaningful moments, but above all else, Skip loved his family. They were the center of his world, and his life reflected that devotion in every way.

Skip was a man of deep faith who loved the Lord, and his life was shaped by that belief. His daily quest was to serve the Lord. While he will be deeply missed, we take comfort in knowing he is now at peace in the presence of his Savior.

Skip married the love of his life, Katheryn “Kit” O’Rourke, on March 28, 1987. Together, they built a life grounded in love, family, and shared memories. He loved her perfectly.

He is survived by his wife, Katheryn “Kit” O’Rourke; his children, Sean O’Rourke of Brandon, FL, and Ashley Earns of Wasilla, AK; and his seven cherished grandchildren.

Skip will be remembered for his kindness, his steady presence, and the quiet way he showed love to those around him. He will be deeply missed.

A celebration of Skip’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on January 3rd at Apostles Lutheran Church, 200 Kingsway Rd., Brandon, Florida. Family and friends are welcome to join us as we remember him with love, laughter, and yes—probably a few tears. In lieu of flowers, it would honor him toomake a contribution to the meaningful charity of your choice.

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$40.00
Raised by 1 person

Recent contributions

$40.00
Joseph Collins
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Recent contributions

$40.00
Joseph Collins
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Memories & condolences

Kit, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you, and my heart goes out to you and…
Kit, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you, and my heart…
Kit, I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine how hard…
Skip always came to a photo shoot with me (during the 5 years I worked at Mother Trib)  armed with some sort of quip th…
Skip always came to a photo shoot with me (during the 5 years I worked at Mother Trib)  armed with …
Skip always came to a photo shoot with me (during the 5 years I …

I’m deeply saddened by Skip’s passing. He was an incredible human being — more than a photo editor, he was a mentor, a …

I’m deeply saddened by Skip’s passing. He was an incredible human being — more than a photo editor,…

I’m deeply saddened by Skip’s passing. He was an incredible huma…

Kit, our deepest condolences to you and the family. We loved Skip and he was my church meeting buddy in the back of The…
Kit, our deepest condolences to you and the family. We loved Skip and he was my church meeting budd…
Kit, our deepest condolences to you and the family. We loved Ski…

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Skip O'Rourke