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
