Thomas Peter Rooney Jr.

Thomas Peter Rooney Jr., 59, of Roanoke, Va., went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 29, 2009. He is preceded in death by his father, Thomas Peter Rooney Sr. Tom grew up in Staten Island, N.Y., where he attended and graduated from Public School 11, Saint John's Lutheran School, and New Dorp High School. As a young boy, he enjoyed caring for his pet pony as well as playing little league baseball. He attended the State University at Farmingdale, N.Y., receiving an associates degree in recreation supervision and then continued his studies at the State University at Brockport, N.Y., graduating with a bachelor of science degree in physical education. Tom was involved for the better part of 40 years in the soft drink industry. He was director of marketing for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York. Tom and his family moved to Roanoke in 1987 when he became Director of Sales for Coca-Cola Enterprises. He subsequently held comparable positions with Dr. Pepper, Welch's, and Seagram's Ginger Ale. In more recent years he obtained his real estate license, brokering businesses and residential properties. He also worked as a consultant for newly established businesses. Tom was an active member of First Baptist Church of Roanoke. He lovingly and faithfully served as a Sunday School teacher for many years. Tom was an avid New York Yankees and New York Giants sports fan and shared his love for sports with countless young people as he coached them in baseball, basketball and football. He was an avid golfer and had a gift for art and woodworking. Most recently he enjoyed the opportunity to serve as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, delivering meals to homebound adults. Surviving are his wife of 35 years, Denise Rooney; daughters, Amy Elizabeth Rooney and Allison Rooney; his sons, Thomas Peter Rooney III and wife, Lanny Gayle Rooney, and John Thomas Rooney, all of Roanoke; grandsons, Thomas Peter Rooney IV and Colston John Rooney; mother, Rosemary Rooney, of Staten Island, N.Y.; sisters, Sallyann Jauch and husband, Raymond, and Rosemary Mulligan and husband, Mark, all of New Jersey; and niece and nephews, Daniel Raymond Jauch, Steven Robert Jauch, Matthew William Mulligan, Ryan Thomas Mulligan and Julie Anne Mulligan. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2009, in the Faith Chapel (Old Sanctuary) of First Baptist Church with Dr. Bryan Smith officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, 2009, and from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 31, 2009, at Oakey's South Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom's name be made to The Acts II Ministry, 406 Luck Avenue, Roanoke, Va. 24016. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel, 540-989-3131.