Philip A. Rooney, 81, of Onset, passed away suddenly on May 10 at his home in Onset. Mr. Rooney was the beloved husband of the late Judith A. (Ferrini) Rooney. He was the son of the late Philip A. and Eva L. (Cullenberg) Rooney Sr. of Brockton.
He was born and raised in Brockton and lived in Wareham for the past 60 years.
Mr. Rooney graduated with the Class of 1954 from Brockton High School and proudly played clarinet and saxophone in the school band and later went on to form his own band. He attended Bentley College studying finance. After working 35 years in computer programming as a senior systems analyst, he retired from Eastern Utilities Associates in 1995.
In 1968, Mr. Rooney became a Master Mason of the Baalis Sanford Lodge in Brockton and later joined the Social Harmony Lodge in Wareham. In 2013, Mr. Rooney was awarded the Joseph Warren Distinguished Service Medal. Mr. Rooney dedicated the majority of his life to DeMolay. He was a proud member and dedicated Dad Advisor. He received the degree of Chevalier and received the Legion of Honor Award. Mr. Rooney was a member of the Aleppo Shriners and the Scottish Rites.
His passion for local and national sports was shown weekly when he displayed the team's flags and colors. He especially enjoyed hosting the Gateman players, watching NASCAR, and the Brockton Rox with family and friends; a special highlight for Philip was hosting his annual Super Bowl Party for the last 28 years.
Mr. Rooney was an avid photographer and loved to scrapbook all of his many travel destinations.
Many fond memories were shared with the boys from Iowa and his buddies in Brockton at Joe's bar. He enjoyed sitting in his personal, reserved chair where he listened to the sounds of Jazz Night at Gilda's. His sense of humor was infectious. He loved attending the Melody Tent comedian line up shows and the Comedy Connection nights.
Survivors include his children, David A. Rooney and fiancée, Charlotte Jones of East Wareham and Rhonda A. Cushing and husband Mark of Wareham; grandchildren Joshua of Marion, Meghan of Mattapoisett, and Maxwell, Alicia, Taylor; great-grandchildren Noah and Landon.; sister Diane Landerholm and her husband Carl of Brockton; many nieces and nephews.
A Masonic memorial ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, June 2, at 11 a.m. at the Social Harmony Lodge in Wareham. Family and friends are invited to the Celebration of Phil's Life following the ceremony.
Service and burial at the Melrose Cemetery in Brockton will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Philip’s memory to “Make America Great” Committee, 310 First Street SE, Washington, D.C. 20003 and American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123.
To leave a message of condolence for the family, visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Wareham Village Funeral Home.