Robert “Bob” E. Rooney
Robert E. Rooney, 88, currently from Scituate, MA and Naples FL, formerly from Danvers and Milton, MA, died suddenly at South Shore Hospital on Friday, August 29th, 2014 surrounded by his large and loving family. Bob was the beloved husband and devoted partner to Jayne (Greer, Joyce) Rooney for the past 34 years.
Born on December 2, 1925, he was the son of the late William and Margaret Rooney of Danvers, MA, and brother of the late William Rooney and infant sister Mary.
Bob is survived by his children with his former wife, Janet (Larkin) Rooney, Linda and George Armstrong of So. Dennis, MA, Allan and Patricia Rooney of Danvers and Grafton, MA, Janet and Paul LeDuc of Hopkinton, MA and Cecile Rooney of New Milford, CT the wife of Bob’s son, the late Robert M Rooney. Bob also leaves behind 5 step-children and their spouses who he loved dearly, Nancy and Reed Panasiti, of Amherst, N.H., Donna and Bob Viau of Gloucester, MA, John and Laura Joyce of Westborough, MA, Patty and Christopher Lamb of Milton, MA and Timothy Joyce of Walpole, MA. Bob also leaves 19 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. All of whom he loved and looked forward to seeing at his annual family reunions.
Born and raised in Danvers Bob graduated with the class of 1943. He was a WW II Army Veteran and was stationed in France until returning to Danvers in 1945. He graduated from Northeastern University in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. His distinguished professional career includes 32 years working for RCA/GE in Burlington, MA before his retirement in 1987.
Bob was an avid supporter of the Boy Scouts of America and served as Committee Chairman for his son’s Troops 58 and 155. He was a devout Catholic and was involved as a communicant at St. Mary’s and St. Richard’s Churches in Danvers.
As a devoted father to his children, Bob shared his love for the outdoors. He enjoyed an active lifestyle of mountain climbing, cross country skiing, skating at the Meadow and swimming at the Danvers YMCA .
Bob loved his hometown of Danvers where he lived for 63 years before moving to Milton. He later divided his time between Scituate and Florida with his wife Jayne where they enjoyed retirement traveling, gardening and golfing. He leaves many friends in Naples at the Countryside Golf Community.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in Saint Agatha Church, Adams Street at Brook Road, Milton, Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Ave., EAST MILTON, Tuesday, 3:30-7:30 PM. Interment St. Mary’s Cemetery, Danvers.
Most of all, Bob will be remembered for the man he was, both a gentleman and gentle man. He held traditional values and enjoyed the simple things in life. He was a family man of immense integrity and moral fiber, respectful, honest and kind. His quiet unassuming generosity and giving spirit will be remembered and missed. In keeping with Bob’s charitable nature donations would be welcome in leiu of flowers to the Boy Scouts of America, Yankee Clipper Council, 36 Amsbury Road, Haverhill, MA 01830 or to Dr. Hyman’s Alzheimer Research Project at Massachusetts General Hospital,c/o Development Office, 55 Fruit St. Boston, MA 02115
Guestbook Entries
Linda, Alan, & Janet:
We are so sorry to hear of your father’s passing. I remember him
as a kind and gentle man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. He was a good friend of my Mom and Dad back in the days when he was involved with Troop 58 and Troop 155. I spoke with him shortly after Mom died and he was glad I contacted him to let him know. Your brother Bob was also a good friend of my Dad. To lose both of these two kind men is a tremendous loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.
Bob was a true friend of ours, even though we lost contact with him after the RCA days, we thought of him often. Bob of course had a great sense of humor, to this day we often recall the time he took one bite of very spicy spaghetti sauce at our house and breathed fire, then finished the whole meal just to be nice even though Irene wanted to cook something else for him. To Bob’s family our heart felt sympathy. Rest in peace Bob.
Jane and Family we where so sad to hear of Bob’s passing. What a dear and spirit filled man he was. We ask for God’s blessings during this very tough time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you
Gary && Sue Stallman
We Love you Pa Pa
We will miss you dearly!
Dear Jayne,Linda, Janet,Allan & all;
We were sadden to hear of Uncle Bob’s death. He was a big part of the glue that held our extended family together. Who could forget the epic Labor Day family reunions that Bob and Jayne hosted.
He will be missed by us all
Love to you all..
Lorraine & Bill
Dear Jayne,
We are sorry to hear of Bob’s passing.
Our condolences and sympathy go out to you and your families. Saw the death notice in the newspaper and can’t help to wonder where the years have gone.
So sorry to hear of Bob’s passing. It surely must have been divine intervention that Alan was at the house across the street from us and Bob recognized our house. We were actually getting ready to go on a trip to Ireland the next day! Bob and Alan came over and the short visit brought back all of the memories of when we were a young newly married couple just starting out and Bob rented the apartment above him to us. It truly was a great honor and a testament to his giving character that he gave us a chance. He was the best landlord and friend anyone could ask for and he never even complained when our children learned to walk and then run (though we tried to get them to stop) on the floor above his head. While living there we enjoyed talking to him on the porch while the kids played in the back yard and to this day our adult children still think fondly of that house and Bob. RIP Bob we will remember you always.
the Conrads
Linda, Janet, and Alan,
I am so sorry you are going through such a significant loss. I remember your Dad very well. I don’t have a special story to share, but know the impact he had on his children who have all become successful, kind, and have so much love for each other. That is the joy of parenthood. I’m so happy you got to spend so much time together and had so much fun. RIP Mr. Rooney, you will always be remembered. Love, The Mannings