Francis Lawrence Rooney Jr.

Our loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather Francis Rooney, Jr. passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 95 with his adoring family by his bedside. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Rooney of 45 years, daughters Mary (Kathy) Rooney and Theresa (Tom) Matista, and younger brother Bernard (Babe) Rooney.

 Francis, a 4th generation Sacramento native, was raised in East Sacramento and Baptized at Sacred Heart Church. Growing up, he spent countless hours helping his father on their hop ranch in Sloughhouse. He graduated from Sacramento High School in 1945 and went on to graduate from Santa Clara University in 1950. Through a college friend he met his wife, Mary Lozancich, whom he adored and cherished. Together, they moved to San Francisco where he received his teaching credential from USF. He spent 32 years with Sacramento City Unified schools, including Peter Lassen and Kit Carson, teaching history, social studies, language arts, and PE. His fondness and dedication to his students and friends was always reflected through their joy of running into him years down the road. 

 A devout Catholic, Francis raised his family in the love of Christ. He was involved in the founding of both St. Anne's and Good Shepherd Parishes and held a deep devotion to praying to Mary through the Rosary. He was the focal point of our family, present and proud of every milestone from Sacraments to graduations, to reunions, to new babies, and of course, to all sporting events. A lifelong 49ers and SF Giants fan, nothing made him happier than watching or playing baseball or softball. Francis was active in Airport Little League in the late 60's and early 70's as a coach and board member. He was extremely proud that the Airport 1969 Senior Division All Star team won the World Series title in Gary Indiana in August 1969. The teams 14-0 record included defeating teams from New York, Iowa, Indiana, Arizona and all across California. He began playing Senior Softball in His 60's and continued playing into his late 70's. He played locally and traveled across the country to play in tournaments ultimately winning his own Golden Seniors World Series Championship! He developed many close friendships and loved playing the greatest game in the world. 

 Our holidays and get togethers will never be the same without him. Our sweet Dad and Grandpa truly enjoyed every simple pleasure of life and taught us all how to be stewards of Love, Faith, and Devotion. 

 Francis leaves behind his son Patrick (Kerri) Rooney, daughters Betsy (Dan) Adams and Anne Rooney. His 10 grandchildren Matthew (Donna), Molly, Michael (AJ) Rooney; Amy (Scott) Petersen, Mia, Gina, Alyssa Matista; Andy (Natalie), Fr. Martin Adams, and Katie (Mike) Oien. His 17 great-grandchildren Charlotte, Ben, Joe, Angelina, Jack, and June Rooney; Karissa, Dylan, and Brianna Petersen; Marie, Gabe, Regina, Joe, Luke, Sebastian, Jude Adams and Tommy Oien. 

 His visitation will be held at East Lawn Mortuary in Elk Grove on October 18th from 5 to 8pm with Rosary at 6pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Elk Grove on October 19th at 11am with a reception immediately following. Burial will be at a later date.

 In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Elk Grove, The Carmelite Monastery of Georgetown California, The Sacramento Life Center, or Our Lady of Guadalupe Seminary.