County Executive Robert P. Astorino issued the following statement on Friday on the death of former County Executive Andrew P. O'Rourke and ordered flags at county building be flown at half-staff in his honor:
Andy O'Rourke left his mark on our county and will be remembered by those who knew him for so many things.
- The Westchester County Center would not be here today if he had not initiated and championed its complete rehabilitation.
- The Westchester County Airport might still have a Quonset hut for a terminal if not for him.
- And our county's North and South County Trailways would probably not exist.
These are just a few of the many things he accomplished as county executive.
On a personal note, he appointed me to the county Board of Ethics in 1995. I was a volunteer in his campaigns for county executive and governor. After my election but before I took office, we had dinner, as I sought his advice and insight. Since then, I have often turned to him for his wise counsel and historic perspective.
As his illness progressed, I visited him, most recently a few weeks ago.
Those who knew him will remember him for his extraordinary wit and charm as well as his compassion for all.
These are traits that served him well through his long career as a Yonkers councilman, a county legislator, county executive and then a judge.
I offer my condolences to his family and friends and ask that we all keep Andy in our prayers.
I have directed that all flags at county property be flown at half-staff in his memory.