Mr. Rooney was born in the Bronx and moved to Stapleton with his family at the age of 9. He lived in San Diego before returning to the Island in 1982 to live in Dongan Hills. He settled in Fort Wadsworth in 1995.
He graduated from Curtis High School and earned a bachelor's degree in English literature from the former Richmond College in St. George.
He taught for 10 years at many Island high schools.
He was a member of the Rosebank Tavern Sports Group.
An avid reader, he enjoyed studying history. He also rooted for the N.Y. Yankees and Giants.
He is survived by his brothers, Kevin and Thomas; his sisters, Mary McLean and Linda Callanan.
The funeral will be Saturday from the Virginia Funeral Chapel, with a mass at 10 a.m. in St. Ann's R.C. Church, both in Dongan Hills.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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