MICHAEL “MICK” ROONEY

Michael “Mick” Rooney, 79, of Debary, FL went peacefully to heaven on Saturday, September 24, 2022, after bravely battling dementia.

Born in Aurora, IL and raised in Elburn, IL, Mick was the oldest child of the late Grace (Wilkison) Kintz and William Rooney. He was proud of his small town roots and early community contributions as both paperboy and altar boy, reportedly delivering papers AND serving mass before school every day. 

Mick enlisted in the Air Force in 1964 and was stationed in Presque Isle, Maine, where he met and married Frida Darvish.  They were married for 22 years and were blessed with two children – Michele (Robert “Rob”) Johnson and Michael “Mick” (Darcie) Rooney.

Mick left the Air Force after 4 years of service and became a salesman for Lyon Metal Products.  His work in industrial sales required frequent relocation.  His family lived in Aurora, IL, Ankeny and Bettendorf, IA, Dayton and Strongsville, OH.  Later in life, Mick moved to Debary, FL.  No matter where Mick lived, he made time for church and community involvement, serving as a church usher, youth football coach, and mentor to many.

He was a lifelong Chicago Cubs, Bears, Bulls and Blackhawks fan.  He passed his love of sports and the Chicago sports teams to his grandchildren – Clay, Mitchell, Elijah “Eli” (Molly), Curtis, Grace, Matthew and Emily – and great grandson, Karson.

Mick was greeted in heaven by his parents, his sister Mary Ann Emberson, brother William “Bill” Rooney, and nephew Joseph “Joe” Emberson with open arms.  

He is survived by many beloved friends and family, including brothers Thomas “Tom” (Valerie) Rooney, James “Jim” (Margaret) Rooney; brother in law William “Bill” Emberson; sisters in law Lida and Zoya Darvish, Violet Prince; nieces Ann (Kathleen Fitzpatrick) Emberson, Patricia Emberson, Guen (Connon) Rooney-Peters, Dawn Henry, Mandy (Ian) Roarke, Amy Rooney, Donna (Roy) Dominguez, Susie Darvish; nephews Dan (Cameo) Rooney, John Rooney, Michael Darvish, Alexis Prince, Nicholas Prince, and many great nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on May 13, 2023 at St Gall Church, Elburn, IL 60119.

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