Obituary of Patrick James Rooney

Patrick James Rooney, age 88 of Whitehouse Station, died surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, November 21, 2023.

Born in Ballyshannon, Donegal, Ireland he was the son of the late John and Mary (Daly) Rooney. 

Pat arrived in Queens, NY in 1960 following his sweetheart, Mary.  They married on February 11, 1961 and moved to Staten Island in 1969 to raise their family.  Ten years ago, Pat moved to NJ to live with his daughter, Cathleen and family. 

He worked for Rockefeller Center for over 30 years as an electrician, working his way up to being the Chief Electrician/Licensee, and was able to enjoy being part of, and instrumental in many Rockefeller Christmas Tree lightings. He has since enjoyed his retirement for 20+ years.

He was a bass drummer for Richmond County Pipes and Drums and, as a true Irishman, loved the outdoors, music, dancing and singing.   He adored his family and was very involved with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.   He spent many enjoyable “vacation times” in Atlantic Highlands with his son Patrick and wife, Pearl in the last ten years.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary in 2003, his daughter-in-law, Gwenn, his granddaughter, Sarah O’Neill, grandson, Sean Rooney and his brothers, Jodi, Edward, and Sean Rooney.

He is survived by his five children, Mary P. O’Neill, and her husband, David of Jasper, GA, Patrick J. Rooney and his wife, Pearl of Atlantic Highlands, John “Jack” Rooney and his wife, Margaret Mary of Howell, Cathleen Siessel and her husband, James of Whitehouse Station and Connor Rooney of Atlantic Highlands; his brother, Charles Rooney and his wife, Nuala of Washington State; his grandchildren, James O’Neill, Christina Rooney (Michele), Patrick Rooney (Kristen), Tracey Rooney, Angela Indemaio(Michael), Katie Weimer (Cavan), Patrick Weimer (Angela), Carson Weimer, Ryan Caitlyn Rooney, Meghan Rooney (Crystal), Erin Rooney (Andrew), Joseph Siessel (Nicole), Timothy Siessel (Kate), Caitlin Siessel, John Rooney and Kevin Rooney.  He is also survived by eight great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 10:00 am at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Whitehouse Station.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at the Kearns Funeral Home, 103 Old Highway 28, Whitehouse, NJ 08888.

In lieu of flowers, donations if inclined, may be made, in memory of family members, to The National MS Society, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Alzheimer’s Association of NJ