Former Westchester County Executive Andrew O’Rourke Dies at 79

Andrew O’Rourke, who served as Westchester County Executive from 1983 to 1997, died Thursday night at the age of 79. He passed away at Calvary Hospital in the Bronx following a long illness.

During his time as county executive, O’Rourke expanded a number of things, including the county’s airport, jail and open space. He also created Croton Point Park from what used to be a dump. He worked toward creating housing for the homeless population in order to both lend them a hand and cut back on reliance on motels for such housing.

O’Rourke ran for governor against Mario Cuomo in 1986 and after serving as county executive, worked as a state Supreme Court justice in both Rockland and Westchester counties. His political career began in 1966 when served as a member of the Yonkers City Council. He earned high praise from both Governor Andrew Cuomo and former governor George Pataki.

Flags were flown at half-staff at Westchester County properties in memory of him.

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