Thomas Michael Rooney

Dr. Thomas Michael Rooney, 84, of Walden, New York, passed away on July 16, 2022 at The Pines at Poughkeepsie Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation.  Born in Plattsburgh, NY on February 8, 1938, he was the son of the late William and Muriel Ducharme Rooney, of Dannemora, NY.  A graduate of Dannemora High School, he served in the U.S. Army in South Korea from 1956-1958.  Thomas went on to earn several degrees in education including a B.S. from the State University of Plattsburgh, an M.S. from Hofstra University, and an EdD. of Education from the State University of Albany.  He began his career in education as a public school teacher on Long Island and gradually transitioned into school administration positions including Supervising Principal for the Johnsburg Central School District and Superintendent for the Valley Central School District. 

Thomas was a resident of Walden for 30 years.  He was an avid runner.  As a member of the New York Road Runners, he ran the New York City Marathon twice and travelled to many other races in cities around the country, including Las Vegas.  Thomas also enjoyed running outside on the rail trail in Walden and over the Newburgh-Beacon bridge. He embraced physical fitness and health and went to the gym religiously where he made many friends.  Thomas was a loyal NY Jets fan and greatly enjoyed attending football games with his beloved son, Tom, Jr. 

Thomas is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dolores Parisi Rooney whom he married on November 18, 1961; two daughters, Laura Barron (Robert) of Voorheesville, NY, and Michele Rooney (Fernando) of Mahwah, NJ; a son, Thomas Rooney Jr. of Yorktown Heights, NY, a grandson, Stephen Barron (Sarah) and granddaughter, Rebecca Barron. 
He is also survived by four sisters, Patricia Lawrence of Rexford, NY, Carolyn Hartnett (Michael) of Clifton Park, NY, Catherine Rooney of Coxsackie, NY, Jane Laundree (James) of Ticonderoga, NY and his brother, David Rooney (Diane) of Saratoga Springs, NY.  He was predeceased by brothers William and James.

Visitation will be Friday, July 22, 2022 from 9:30am-10:30am, at Millspaugh Funeral Home, 22 Bank St., Walden, NY 12586.

A Mass of Christian burial will be Friday, July 22, 2022 at 11am, at Most Precious Blood Church, 42 Walnut St., Walden, NY 12586. 

Burial will follow at Orange County Veterans Cemetery, Goshen.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Greater New York.

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