Brian Ardel Francis Rooney

1936 - 2015

Brian Ardel Francis Rooney, 79, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, October 9th. A native of Manchester, Connecticut, Brian was born in 1936 at Saint Francis Hospital to the late Sean Gerald Rooney (originally of Portadown, Ireland) and Pierina Frachey Rooney of Manchester and Niantic. A graduate of Saint James School, Manchester High and Cheney Tech, Brian's career path of 50 years would touch many lives and areas of expertise, most notably: Corporal and Postmaster for the 8th Infantry U.S. Army stationed in Bad Kreuznach and Dexheim, Germany; Police Sergeant of the Town of Manchester; Senior Foreman at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton; and shortly before retirement, Child Support Enforcement Officer for the State of Connecticut. Brian was known for his warm and generous spirit, zest for life and always strove for excellence in all endeavors. He was an exceptional photographer of family and nature, and a classic car and NASCAR enthusiast with many wonderful memories at Lime Rock, Stafford and Thompson Motor Speedways. He was a founding member of the "Little T Speedway", an amateur racing track for children and their families located next to Thompson Motor Speedway. Brian was known also for his love of animals (especially his two dogs "Princie" and "Waggs"), maritime and WW2 history, camping, bird-watching, music, dancing and trains. Perhaps Brian's greatest passions were boating and fishing with family along the Southeastern Connecticut and Rhode Island shores, especially Mystic, Stonington, Napatree Point, Block Island and Point Judith. Brian is survived by his wife Magda Walther Rooney (originally from Nierstein, Germany) and their children Brigid (and her husband John Hall) of Avondale, RI; Brian (and his wife Jennifer and their children Cora, Sean, Conor, Liam and Clare) of Dover, MA; and Timothy of Stonington. He is also survived by his companion Wendy Rose and her children Amy Hunt (and her husband Christopher and their daughter Madison) and son Nicholas. Brian also leaves his brother Dennis Rooney (and his wife Sue), sister Geraldine Dearden (and her husband William), and many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be held Sunday, October 18th from 4-8 p.m. at Ladd-Turkington & Carmon Funeral Home, 551 Talcottville Road (Route 83), Vernon. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home on Monday, October 19th at 9 a.m. followed by a funeral procession at 10:30 a.m. to South Cemetery, Cider Mill Road, Tolland for burial with military honors. A reception at The Lodge at Crandall Park follows. Memorial donations may be made in honor of Brian to the ASPCA or the Watch Hill Conservancy, specifically for the Napatree Point conservation area. For online condolences and guest book, please visit www.carmonfuneralhome.com "There is no such word as can't." We agree, Dad. Go get 'em.