James D. Rooney, 85, died peacefully on December 21, 2020. Jim was born on January 3, 1935, son of the late J. Donald and Mildred (Carlson) Rooney. Raised in Nichols CT, he graduated from Harding High School and received a B.S. in Business form Lehigh University. He served his country as a paratrooper in the U.S. army.
In his professional career, Jim owned and operated the successful General Party Rentals in Hamden CT for 30 years. He was an active member of several state, national and regional rental associations. He was a member of the 2nd Co Governors foot Guard New Haven CT and The Hundred Club of Connecticut. Jim was a life long reader and student of history. In retirement Jim and Charlotte enjoyed travelling nationally to all 50 states as a prelude to many international adventures and a host of Caribbean cruises. Jim was an avid golfer and played regularly at Oronoque CC in Stratford, CT and Beacon Woods GC, Hudson FL.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years Charlotte (Petrohoy) Rooney and their daughters Patti (Todd) Winfield of Canon, GA, Joan Rooney of Shelton CT, Donna (Patrick) O'Hara of Monroe CT, and M. Kate (Richard) Ugarte of Baltimore MD, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Margaret Rooney RSM and Patricia Rooney RSM.
A mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Michael The Archangel Church in Hudson, FL on January 8, 2021 at 11 AM. Burial will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. A memorial mass will be held in Connecticut at a future date.
Those wishing to make a memorial gift in Jim's honor are asked to consider Mildred Rooney Memorial Scholarship at Lauralton Hall, Milford CT
The Allen Family (Friend of Donna)
December 27, 2020, 12:00 am
May God Bless your family in this time of mourning.
With Deepest Sympathy,
The Allen Family
Omer & Dorothy Fortier (Old Neighborhood)
December 27, 2020, 12:00 am
Our sincere condolences. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
edward wezowicz (friend )
December 27, 2020, 12:00 am
Charlotte i am so very sorry to read this. My heart is broken for you and your loss. to all of the family my deepest sympathy for your loss as well. Jim was like a close uncle to me. jim was always a sympathetic and tolerant person towards me. I dont know how to tell you how much he has always meant to me I will greatly miss him.
Bruce & Leslie Clark (Neighbors in CT)
December 28, 2020, 12:00 am
So sorry to hear of the loss of Jim. Our Prayers are with you all at this time.
Kathleen Hoffmann (Friend)
December 28, 2020, 12:00 am
The entire Hoffmann family mourns the death of Papa Roon. Rest in peace old friend and may the Lord bring peace and comfort to the Rooney family.
Jean R Kerekes (Ct Neighbors)
December 29, 2020, 12:00 am
Our deepest sympathy, thoughts and prayers to Charlotte and family.
Frank and Jean
Russ Dagenais (Rental Colleague)
December 30, 2020, 12:00 am
Charlotte,
We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Jim. We have fond memories of the days when the rental businesses in CT got together to form Connecticut Association of Rental Dealers, CARD. He was one of the key members who volunteered to get the association formed. Jim was always so open with information on how he did business which helped us greatly. Jim would always say we are not competitors, we were colleagues.
With warm thoughts and prayers,
Russ Dagenais & Vickie Dagenais
Taylor Rental of Wallingford
John and Linda Baione (Friend)
December 30, 2020, 12:00 am
All the Baione family are so very sorry for your loss. We will remember with fondness the wonderful times we spent with the Rooney family. Jim you will be dearly missed.
Rest In Peace old friend.
Kristen and Jim Wrigley (Neighbors and friends)
December 31, 2020, 12:00 am
We are so sad to hear about the loss of wonderful “Papa Roon†the Patriarch of all of Fairlane Dr! Sending love and hugs to all of the family during this sad time.
Paul & Rosemary Zambo (Cousins)
January 3, 2021, 12:00 am
Char, Patty, Joan, Donna, Kate,
We were so saddened to hear of Jim’s death. He was a special man who will be missed by so many. We remember with fondness our family reunions in Connecticut and our visits with you and Jim in Florida. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with all of you, especially Char. We pray that God blesses you with peace and comfort during this very difficult time for you. Know that Jim is breathing celestial air and resting in the arms of his God. We love you!!
noelle schmidt (Friend & neighbor )
January 10, 2021, 12:00 am
The Schmidt & North family send our sincerity sympathy in the loss of a great friend & member of the Fairlane family.
All our love to Charlotte, Patti, Joan, Donna, Kate, & all your families.
Love, Noelle & Steve, Ethel & Tom