Worcester

George M. Rooney, Sr., 82, of Worcester, died peacefully in his home on Monday, August 5, 2013.

George was born on April 29, 1931 in Union Beach, NJ, the son of the late Joseph V. Rooney and Marie I. (Moore) Rooney.

He was a member of the Worcester Central School Class of 1950, where he enjoyed playing football.

He married his high school sweetheart, Catherine M. (Milavec) Rooney, on September 15, 1951, at St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church, Worcester, NY, where he remained a member for over 60 years.

He is survived by his wife, Catherine, and his children: Kathleen and David Sharpe, Patricia Rooney, Joanne and Paul Franolich, George M. Rooney, Jr., Carole Rooney, Anne and Peter Rode; and George's brother, Raymond T. Rooney.

Grandchildren: Angela and Kelsey Sharpe; Calla, Lucas, Lindsay and Jesse Schrull; Aysha Mirie; and Jordan Rode; and one great grandchild: Michael Gurley.

He was predeceased by his grandson, Nicholas Mirie; and his brothers and sisters: John, Joseph and Leo Rooney, Elsie Hughes, Patricia Allocca, Mary Winegard, and Frances Utter.

George was dedicated to customer service throughout his life, from his early days as a maître d' at the Shadowbrook Restaurant, Shrewsbury, NJ, to proprietor of Walt's Restaurant, Worcester, NY (1970-1975). George was an owner/operator for over 25 years with several moving companies and traversed the United States several times, occasionally accompanied by his wife and children. He continued his dedication to people as a tour bus driver for Wade Tours, Rotterdam, NY and then as Transportation Director at Worcester Central School. He retired in 2005 and was finally able to travel for pleasure. He and Cathy visited 48 states while he was working, but finally added Alaska (2006) and Hawaii (2010) during retirement.

George loved to be with his family for all occasions, especially holidays. He loved the mountains, music, and meeting new people, but he believed nothing compared to his family and his home.
George was a loving, warm, generous and often feisty man who will be missed every day.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2013 at St. Joseph's Church, Main Street in Worcester with the Rev. Ronald Green, MM officiating.

Burial will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery.

Calling hours will be held Thursday, August 8, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel, 155 Main Street in Worcester.

Memorial contributions may be made in loving memory of George to the Worcester Emergency Squad, PO Box 191, Worcester, NY 12197.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.skinnerfuneralchapel.com.

The E.J. Skinner Co. Funeral Chapel in Worcester is assisting the family.