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.

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23 responses to John E. Rooney

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Brendan Kelly says:

December 12, 2007

Dear Rooney Family,

The Apostle Paul said, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”Phil 1:21

All too often when an acquaintance loses a loved one I have to admit that I didn’t know them. In your case, it was my honor and privilege to have known your father. He lived Paul’s words. Here in our midst he lived the life of Christ. He was a sacrificial servant. In heaven, it is his gain as he sits at the feet of our triune God and basks in glory.

John, Patti, Kathy, Maryann,

My heart is broken for your loss. I know that you’ll miss the daily contact with your Dad, the nuturing advice, and his dry sense of humor. Those are a few of the difficult things you’ll face. Here’s the good news. You only have to look as far as each other to enjoy his memory. You’re his legacy, and that lives on in you. In deed, you are each very much a part of him and he is a huge part of you. The benefit of you as his legacy extends to us too. Those of us who know you have the privilege of seeing your father’s legacy live on.

Let me extend the same blessing to you that Paul asked for the Philippians:

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5 Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; 6 do not be anxious about anything but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

You are all loved.

Brendan

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Christine English says:

December 12, 2007

Dear Rooney family,

It is with saddness that I write this to all of you. I also just lost my Mother, so I know the grief and sadness you are all feeling. Even though we know they are in a better, happier place, we still miss them like crazy!! We know John is with Helen, the love of his life, now and Mike, and all the other loved ones that have passed on to eternal happiness. I am sure my Mom has said “Hi” to them and they are all having a wonderful happy time!!

Jim and I and our girls have such fond memories of all the times we spent in the Rooney home. Every time we came over, Mr. Rooney would say to us “welcome to our home” and he truly meant it. We all had such wonderful memories of John and Helen, and they always made us feel so very welcome. Jim and I love our friends, Mary Ann and Patti, and also have such fond memories of our times together. Jim has not changed, still doing crazy tricks and I still fall for them!! It was such a special time in our lives and we miss those times so much. Our childeren are all grown now, and we have 8 grandchildren, if we could only pass on to them a fraction of the love and kindness John and Helen always gave us, we would feel so very lucky.

There are so many beautiful memories that Jim and I feel for all of the Rooneys, we have been married for 38 years now and John and Helen have been such an example of what a true marriage is, we thank them for that.Mary Ann and Patti, remember our 10th Anniversary celebration that you made so special for us? Another very special memory for us.

We know John is in heaven now and still saying “welcome to our home”, and we know we will experience that welcome again when it is our time.

Our love and sympathy go to all of you, you are all so lucky to have had such wonderful, loving parents, and you too will see them again.

Our love and prayers are with you all.

Chirs and Jim English

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Kathy Kelly Overton says:

December 12, 2007

To my dear Rooney Family,

I don’t know the words to tell you how sorry I am for your loss. We have been through so much together…our families all know how to stick together and support each other in our grief.

I, like Chris English, will miss Mr. Rooney greeting me at the door with his famous “welcome to our house!” with a big grin and a kiss on the cheek. I always felt welcome in your home and don’t believe your dad ever thought of anyone as a stranger. Mr. Rooney was very a very gentle and kind soul. He gave me great strength and support when our Mom was in the hospital with his frequent visits.

They say time will lessen your grief but I believe that keeping your Dad alive in your thoughts and talk and sharing his goodness with others will help you to remember just how lucky you were to have him! I am proud to call him my friend. May God give you His peace and ease your sorrows. My heart is with you at this difficult time.

I love you all!

Kathy Kelly Overton

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Pattie Kelly Rueb says:

December 12, 2007

To the Rooney family,

My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Your father was a wonderful man and will be missed dearly by the Kelly family. I wish I was able to be there for the service. I will be there in spirit.
God bless all of you!
Pattie Kelly Rueb

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Cathy Doherty Dumphy says:

December 13, 2007

Dear Rooney family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Jack was such a wonderful man, he will be missed greatly. God bless.

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