Francis Rooney

Devoted to his family, faith and country, Francis E. Rooney of Youngstown, entered into his new life when he died on Saturday, November 12, 2011. He is survived by two daughters, Ellen (Edward) Plante, Getzville, NY and Ann Elizabeth (Fred) Heuer of Lewhlon, NY: a sister, Jane Johnston of Florida; three grandchildren, one great- grandson; and several brothers--in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth Therese Gorman, who passed away on November 10, 2009; as well as his parents, John and Mary Rooney; and four brothers and two sisters, Jack, William, Edward, Joseph, Madeline and Mary Rooney. Born in South Buffalo on January 16, 1931, Mr. Rooney enjoyed a lifelong career in business. At the time of his passing, Mr. Rooney still ran Rooney Business Forms and Advertising Products, which he started in 1984. He earlier owned and operated Niagara Business Forms, which he established in 1970. Previously, he was Buffalo Manager of the Standard Register Co., and then General Manager of Hysen Supplies in Niagara Falls, NY. He enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950 for four years and was promoted to Staff Sergeant, serving twenty-three months Japan and Korea during the Korean War in intelligence and photo reconnaissance. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal, Korean Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star, the United Nations Service Medal, Occupation Medal of Japan, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean War Service Medal - 50th Anniversary Medal; and a letter issued by the Republic of Korea's President. He was also past commander of Veteran's Post #7487, Lewiston, NY. Returning from overseas, he was assigned to Cambridge, MA, and worked on locating the jet stream paths and also the 1954 solar eclipse expedition, equipping thirteen sites around the world. Mr. Rooney headed the construction division of the United Givers Fund and was also a loaned executive another year. He was a third degree Knight of Columbus, Kenmore Council, and a lifelong Catholic. He enjoyed boating, gardening and family road trips and reunions, coordinating many "cousins' luncheons" for his family in the Western New York area. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Bernard's R.C. Church, Second and Hinman St., Youngstown, NY at 10 AM on Tuesday, November 15th with burial afterward at Father Baker's Holy Cross Cemetery in Lackawanna, NY. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Victory Homes of Charity, 780 Ridge Rd., Lackawanna, NY 14218. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Hardison Funeral Home, Lewiston, NY.