Community Shows Support for East Northport College Student Who Died Suddenly

Image via GoFundMe

Members of the community are coming together to show support for the family of Thomas O’Rourke, a SUNY New Paltz student from East Northport who died suddenly on Sunday.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for O’Rourke’s funeral expenses and has raised approximately $12,390 in just two days as of Friday afternoon.

A funeral for O’Rourke will be held for immediate family only, although a public memorial will be held at a later date.

• Show support for O’Rourke family by checking out the “Funeral Expenses for Tom O’Rourke” donation page here.

Nearly 200 people have donated to the cause.

Many donors left condolences on the page:

• Thomas' presence was valued throughout the New Paltz and Elwood communities. Thoughts and Prayers to the family. - Colleen and Maureen Turner
• Our son, Matt Nash, was one of Tom's suite mates at New Paltz. Matt and Tom only became friends this year. Matt came to New Paltz as a transfer student and didn't know too many people. Matt came into the boys suite thru a mutual friend and there the friendship began - they all became family to each other. Matt told me that Tom was one of the nicest, funniest guys anyone could met - he had no idea Tom was struggling this much. Our prayers are with his family, his New Paltz family, and his friends. May he now find the peace in God's arms that he could not find here on earth.
• Our thoughts and prayers go out to the O'Rourke family through this difficult time. Thomas will be missed everyday for his extraordinary gifts of art, contagious smile and warm soul. We will love and cherish your memory Tom. Love always, Justin Lochan and family
• We are saddened by the loss of Thomas, a sweet, talented young man. We pray that your beautiful memory will bring strength and comfort to your family. The Messina Family
• Ellen and Jim Cooke (and family) want to express our deepest sadness. We are keeping Thomas close in our prayers and thoughts. He brightened our lives and we will remember him always.