Lasting Memories
Michael John O'Rourke
Dec. 13, 1949-March 23, 2026
Pleasanton, California
It is with heavy hearts we share that Michael O'Rourke has passed away on March 23rd at the age of 76.
Michael lived a full and vibrant life. He loved recounting his college pranks at Santa Clara University. He had a passion for scuba diving around the world and even taught lessons in Monterey Bay. A true aviation enthusiast, Michael often identified aircraft flying overhead to his family's delight (and eyerolls). He earned his helicopter pilot’s license and proudly flew his first passenger flight in 1987.
Professionally, Michael began his career in marketing and went on to hold various roles in sales and business development, earning titles such as Director and Senior Vice President. Over the decades, he became a respected figure in Silicon Valley, known for his expertise in supply chain management, international relations, negotiation, and deep knowledge of electronic contract manufacturing.
In his later years, Michael cherished time spent traveling with his family. Maui held a special place in his heart, though he also enjoyed trips to Key West, Pinecrest, and Spokane. Once retired, he developed a strong commitment to volunteer work, contributing his time to PGA Tour events in Monterey and Carmel Valley, where he especially enjoyed driving professional and celebrity golfers. He also volunteered with the California Highway Patrol, wearing his badge with great pride.
Michael will be remembered for his kindness, quick wit, sharp instincts, and natural leadership—along with a wonderfully unexpected whimsical side. He was a man who could command a boardroom, yet just as easily be found cruising with the top down, blasting “Girls Just Want to Have Fun.”
He is survived by his wife, Janis; his daughters, Erin and Colleen; and his siblings, Kevin and Kathy.
April 4, 2026
“Oh, Michael, Michael, Michael” (a special little phrase we shared) Mike and I spent many days over the years instructing SCUBA diving under the guidance of our sensei, Hank Kettles—truly another great man. We logged countless hours together in the Foothill College pool, and in open water finals in Monterey Bay. Over time, we handpicked students—the very best—to join us on unforgettable 10-day international dive trips to places like Tahiti and Martinique. Whenever international dive instructors realized we were NAUI instructors, they would often arrange one of their “special dives”—reserved for instructors only. On one such occasion, just before sunrise, we embarked on a deep dive—a “closed mouth” dive. At 120 feet, Mike and I asked one of the instructors to take a photo using Mike’s camera. Arm in arm, we posed—and in true fashion, we removed our masks, turned them backward, and held our regulators in our hands. That photograph, enlarged, still hangs on my wall today. My brother Michael— I will forever miss you, but I will never forget you. With heartfelt love to his family, Donn, Gerri & Nicholas Hile