John E. Rooney
February 05, 1929 - December 07, 2007
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John E. Rooney
February 05, 1929 - December 07, 2007
Obituary
ROONEY – John Edward Rooney 1929-2007 Died December 7, 2007 in Laguna Hills. Born in Chicago, he was the only child of John Rooney and Suzanna Heraty Rooney. Marriage in 1948 to Helen Grady was followed by a happy family life in many locations: Cheyenne, Chicago, Cedar Rapids, Dallas, Washington DC and Laguna Hills, while John served, first, in the US Air Force and then, enjoyed a 37-year career in the defense industry. Upon retirement, John put his business skills to use in a second career as a volunteer where he worked to help alleviate poverty and homelessness. John was happily married for 57 years until Helen’s death in 2006. John was a gentleman, a kind and friendly man, with the highest integrity, enjoyed watching baseball and football and was an enthusiastic fan of parades and marching bands. He enjoyed reading, especially history and encouraged a love of books in others. He was a wonderful role model for his family and community. He will be dearly missed. He was a loving dad to his children, John Jr. Flora, Patricia Bob Pike, Michael deceased 1980, Mary Ann Neilson, and Kathleen Gordon Hamilton. John was a doting grandpa to his grandchildren, Melissa, Dorian and Jackie Rooney, Daniel Neilson, Megan, Noreen and Brian Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the establishment of a memorial scholarship fund may be made to St. Nicholas Church.
23 responses to John E. Rooney
Tom Birmingham says:
December 17, 2007
Maryann,Kathy,Johnny,& Families,
I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. Uncle Jack was a dear & kind man who was always there for others. I remember when we visited, he would always take time to make sure we saw all the sites,in Iowa,VirginiaD.C.,Texas & California. Even though me & Mike just wanted to go the pool. He’d get us up at the crack of dawn and say “Let’s get movin” & it was always a fun and a great experience. I remember trying to run a 10K with him in Laguna, I
hadn’t run for years and the only tennis shoes I had we’re those Converse High tops not good for running which felt like I was running in Bozo’s shoes as I flopped across the finsh line, but it was fun doing that with him and I appreciated his encouragement. I’ll always cherish the memories of our visits with all my cousins, Uncle Jack, & my Godmother Aunt Helen. I’m keeping you all in my prayers & share my condolences.
God Bless, Tommy
Penny Bergeson says:
December 18, 2007
Dear Mary Ann and Patti, and all,
We were so saddened to learn of the death of your Dad. What a good, kind, and generous man he was. We have so many memories of wonderful times at your home with all of you. Please know that you are in our prayers. I’m going to send you by snail mail a poem entitled “My First Christmas in Heaven”. It’s really beautiful and was so comforting when we lost my mom last December 18. It’s one year today and I miss her so much. Our hearts and prayers are with you. Please give our love to all.
Marty and Penny Bergeson
Joe Kelly says:
December 19, 2007
Dear Rooney Family:
Your Dad has left behind a legacy of faith,love and compassion that is incomparable. He was a wonderful husband and father and a remarkable Christian who demonstrated Christ’s teachings every day of his life.He walked the walk and talked the talk with never a misstep or a misspoken word. I am blessed to think that he allowed me to be his friend. Take comfort in knowing that your Dad is now with your Mom, Mike and Grandma Rooney, probably singing hymns and Irish songs while God listens and smiles. John deserves his eternal rest.