Daniel Rooney

A vivacious and loving man, there wasn’t anything that Dan Rooney wouldn’t do for his family and those he cared about. A proud and loving Irishman through and through, he had a generous heart, a caring manner and loving disposition. Dan will be remembered fondly by those that were lucky enough to have known him.

Just as the U.S. was slowly emerging from the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt helped strengthen the economy with the establishment of the minimum wage law in 1938. It was also a year filled with new technology, cartoons and movie greats. But the new year and anticipation of new life filled the hearts of Charles and Margaret (Timothy) Rooney that particular winter when they were blessed with the birth of a little boy they named Daniel born on February 1, 1938 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania just east of Pittsburgh.

Dan joined older siblings John, Rosie, Charlie and Mickey, later welcoming younger sisters Suzanne and Patsy. Dan’s mother stayed home to care for the children and the household while his father worked in the booming steel industry as a steelworker. As a child, Dan loved riding his bike with neighborhood friends and playing basketball. A traditional Irish family, the Rooney’s were devout in their Catholic faith where Dan served as an altar boy at the parish they attended.

When Dan began high school his love for basketball was evident. He excelled in the sport until a knee injury put him out the game entirely. He went on to graduate in 1957 from Johnstown Catholic High School and then enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves. He began working for A&P Grocery Stores where he worked his way up to become a store manager. It was also during this time in Dan‘s life that things began to turn in a new direction for him.

In 1961 he met his future wife, a young woman named Sarah Horton and she swept Dan off his feet. She was a waitress at the time, and when their eyes met, they fell instantly in love. After dating for a time they were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Johnstown on April 28, 1962. After honeymooning in New York City they began a family right away. Kevin was born later that year and fourteen years later in 1976, Chris came along as an unexpected blessing. Dan and Sarah raised the boys in Johnstown for the first twenty years of their marriage before moving to Kalamazoo, Michigan in the early 1980s.

In the late 1980’s Dan moved to Livonia and began working for Joe’s Produce where he remained for the rest of his career. Always a sensible businessman, Dan worked well with people and had a knack for the produce industry from his early years of experience with A&P.

Although their marriage ended in divorce, Sarah was the love of Dan’s life and they continued to be great friends and close confidants even after their divorce. They always got along better after the divorce than when they were married. He enjoyed traveling to visit family and to spend time with Sarah as often as he could.

Always a jokester, Dan was an easy going Irishman who remained close to his family over the years. He spoke to his sisters on the phone almost daily, and there was nothing that he wouldn’t do for them, but the feeling was mutual. One year for his birthday Dan‘s sister arranged for Dan to receive a surprise letter from the owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers whose name was also Dan Rooney. What a surprise it was because everyone knew that Dan loved the Steelers!

Dan also liked visiting the casinos and loved gambling. Favoring meat and potatoes, Dan loved to eat and made certain to plan out his meals when he was married to Sarah. With a sweet tooth, Dan relished desserts especially chocolate, but his favorite was ice cream and homemade cookies. Dan thought the best cook in the whole world was his mom.

With his fun loving ways, Dan loved to dance to the oldies, Frank Sinatra and Elvis. His favorite song was fittingly “Danny Boy” which conveyed Dan’s proud love for being Irish. His favorite quote was “If you’re lucky enough to be Irish, you’re lucky.” But the twinkle in Dan‘s eye was for his precious two year old granddaughter Patty who was a delight in her grandpa’s life. He cherished every moment he could with his little Patty whom he loved dearly. For Patty’s second birthday recently, Dan gave her a new little Yorkie puppy and together they affectionately named it Pumpkin. Pumpkin ended up staying with Dan but it reminded him of the glee on Patty’s face when he gave it to her.

Just over a year ago Dan was diagnosed with cancer and it became a turning point for him. He retired from Joe’s Produce in 2008 and set out to live life to the fullest. He even purchased one of his dream cars, an all black Chrysler convertible Sebring. He wanted to take care of his family and was very generous, but not unlike Dan, he shopped around for the best value.

A good, loving and caring man, Dan sadly died on Thursday, September 3, 2009 at the age of 71 at home in Kalamazoo. He will be lovingly missed.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charlie and John Rooney and long-time friend Patty Burkhart. Surviving are his two sons, Kevin and Chris Rooney; his grandchildren: Kevin and Patty Rooney; four sisters, Rosie Foley, Mary Ann (Michael) Nalewako, Suzanne (Dennis) Farmer and Patricia Rooney; his former wife, Sarah N. Rooney; many nieces and nephews. Please visit Dan’s personal web page at www.lifestorynet.com, where you can archive a memory, photo or sign his online memory book before coming to the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church. Learn more about Dan, view his Life Story film and share refreshments with his family and friends on Tuesday from 10:00AM–1:00 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, Betzler-Kalamazoo; 6080 Stadium Drive, 375-2900. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 2:00 PM at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Burial at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.