Former longtime New York Post editor and novelist Robert Rorke — “a larger-than-life personality” known for his sardonic wit — died at home in Brooklyn on Aug. 12.
He was 68.
Rorke, a gregarious critic and editor for The Post’s Sunday TV page from 2003 through 2020, built a sterling reputation and stood out as a character in a newsroom already filled with them.
As a columnist, he lent his signature humor to scathing take-downs of everything and everyone from Lena Dunham to the bizarre renewals of lackluster television shows.
“Robert was a larger-than-life personality whose sense of humor and sharp takes on the TV landscape illuminated his columns and reviews,” New York Post TV editor Michael Starr said.
Throughout his long career, Rorke’s work also appeared in Publisher’s Weekly, TV Guide and the Los Angeles Times, among other outlets.
He published his debut novel, “Car Trouble,” in 2018.
The book, which follows a young man coming of age in the 1960s and ’70s, was based partly on Rorke’s formative years in Brooklyn, where he was born and lived for most of his life.
Though a proud New Yorker to the core, Rorke’s personal tastes ran the geographical gamut: In a recent profile by Poets & Writers, he listed James Baldwin, Louise Erdrich, Iris Murdoch and Flannery O’Connor among his favorite writers.
When he was not enjoying the arts, Rorke was also known for leading walking or biking tours of his home city.
Rorke graduated from New York University with a BA in English and received a master’s in English language and literature from Stanford University in 1978.
In 2010, he completed an MFA in creative writing at Warren Wilson College.
Rorke’s sister Mary told The Post on Tuesday that her brother will be remembered for his professionalism and high standards.
“Robert was devoted to his family, generous with his friends and had a zest for life that inspired us,” Mary said.
“His loss has left a tremendous void in our lives.”
Rorke is also survived by his mother, three other sisters and seven nieces and nephews.
A visitation is set from 2 to 5 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Joseph G. Duffy Funeral Home, 255 Ninth St., Brooklyn.
A funeral Mass will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church.
The service will also be streamed.