August 10, 1930 - September 19, 2024
Bradenton, Florida - Richard "Rooney" Ashby Myers, 94, went to be with his heavenly father on September 19, 2024, peacefully after a long, and full life. He was healthy, active, and sharp right to the end.
He was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on August 10, 1930, to Ashby Jackson and Hortense Blaisdell Myers. Rooney graduated from Belleview High School, class of 1948. He attended Allegheny College, becoming the captain of the Gators football team and a member of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, graduating in 1952. He coached legendary Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher when Bill played for the Crafton Little Cougars.
Rooney was a Korean War veteran, serving his country faithfully. After his honorable discharge from the Army, he began working for Frank Winnie and Son Inc. in 1953 as a salesman, a career that lasted for 51 years. He was successful, completely commission-based, and no one knew rope like him. After Frank Winnie and Son, he worked for 20 more years as an independent contractor. Staying true to form, his timing was impeccable, and he retired completely at the age of 94 years young on September 5, 2024, enjoying two whole weeks of retirement before his death.
He is preceded in death by his siblings Douglas and Nancy, his son Jimmy, and the love of his life Jean Marie Fabian Myers. Jean Marie brought him around the world traveling, and eventually, they transitioned from being snowbirds to permanent residents of Florida, where they were active swimmers and golfers. They were "Frick and Frack," the dynamic duo. They were both devoted to their faith, sharing morning devotions. They serenaded the magnolia tree and herons in the pond outside their balcony with unapologetically loud hymns. She brought out the best qualities in the whole family, himself included, and he would be the first to admit that. Rooney was generous and kind. He was a good friend.
Jean Marie died in their home in Florida in 2015, and for 9 years he talked about their time together, how much she meant to him, how much he missed her, and how there was no one like her. It is why he refused to leave Florida and return to Pittsburgh as its prodigal son; he still wanted to be near to where she was.
Rooney was beloved by his friends and family, he loved the Lord, and he faithfully volunteered for Youth For Christ and Hospice.
He is survived by his children Rick, Leslie, Jamie, Stephanie, Eric, and Penne; his grandchildren Gabriel, Emerson, Eliot, Tanner, Madison, Sadie, and Jesse; and four great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Youth For Christ, Suncoast Chapter, 1901 30th Ave. W, Bradenton, FL 34205.
There will be a memorial service on October 14, 2024, at 1:00 pm at the NW Baptist Church, 7913 9th Ave NW, Bradenton FL 34209. This memorial will also be live-streamed.
