David Henry Rooney passed away peacefully on May 5, 2024, in Bradenton, Florida. David was born in Chicago, IL, on 30th November 1939 to Michael and Pearl Rooney, his dad was a butcher and mom kept busy raising five children in the Catholic faith. As a child, he attended St. Veronica School, St. Ignatius Catholic School & then Schurz where he learned all about printing machines. At 17 years old he joined the US Air Force & began his training at Malmstrom AFB in Montana then transferred to Ruislip Air Force base in England where he met the love of his life Norma.
Dave and Norma were married in 1961 in St Joseph's Church in England. Dave was transferred back to the United States in 1962 to Chanute Air Force Base where he was discharged from the Air Force after six years of honorable service, also being awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. He and Norma then moved to Chicago where he started his next career in the Advertising business.
Landing his first job in the advertising agency of Post, Keyes & Gardener, Dave quickly learned the advertising business and rapidly climbed up the ladder in the business. Known as the "Idea Man", Dave's innovative approach to solving problems caught the attention of the Executives who eventually promoted him to Vice President of Print Production, a title also held later at Cunningham & Walsh and then at Ogilvy & Mather. Over the years he worked on the Brown & Williamson cigarette account, Delta Airlines account and American Express. Newspapers, magazines & outdoor billboards all had his attention. His career later took him to Atlanta where he worked for BBD&O.
Dave and Norma have one son, David, whom they adopted with much love in 1972. David was the apple of his father's eye and often the source of bragging by him about his "Marine Officer son who flew helicopters".
Dave is survived by his wife, Norma; child: David and his wife, Teresa; sisters, Mary Ann Geovia and Patricia McCoy. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Zachary and Peyton.
There will be a Memorial Mass for David at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Bradenton, FL, on June 14, 2024, at 11:00 am. Immediately following the Mass there will be light snacks and drinks in the reception area of the Church. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 26th Street Chapel, 5624 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34207, is in charge of arrangements.
