Edward Francis Rooney

Frank was born on the Rooney Farm at Rooney's Corners, near Johnstown, the fourth of five children born to Edward Lawrence and Roseanna Cecilia (Savor) Rooney.
Frank was predeceased by his wife, Margaret Mary (Mitten), the second of his three sons, Louis, his grandson, Ryan, and his eldest brother, Lawrence (Doc).
Frank is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Daisley; his children, Michael (Nancy) of Calgary, Rosann Mullins of Nepean, Mary (Barry) Lemoine of Orleans, Edward (Nancy) of Caledon East, Colleen of Toronto, Caroline (Ray Telford) of Iroquois; daughter-in-law, Audrey of Iroquois; his step- children, David Daisley (Nadine) of Hull, Tracey (Todd) Larocque of Iroquois; his sisters and brother, Julia Rooney of Ottawa, Catherine Burns of Ottawa, and Patrick (Nancy) of Richmond, B.C.; his 17 grandchildren, Sean (Trish), Erin, Shannon, Shauna, Adam, Amanda, Jason (Erinn), Spencer (Lucy), Erica, Scott, Bryce, Jenna, David, Tanya, Christopher, Jaime, Alek; his cousins, Lilian Laushway of Ottawa, Joseph Crites of Cardinal; and several nieces and nephews.
Frank married Margaret Mitten in 1950 and they had seven children by 1958. Together, they carried on the family farming tradition until the Rooney farm was expropriated by the provincial government in 1960. Frank moved his family to Spencerville in 1961 where he worked as a carpenter. In 1962 he purchased Merkley Feed & Seed in Iroquois, renaming the business Rooney Feeds. Shortly thereafter he moved his family to the "Best Town by a Dam Site." So began Frank Rooney's commitment to serving the Iroquois community.
Frank, his wife Margaret, and two employees were the first staff members of Rooney Feeds. Working 12 hour days, six days per week, they built the business into a centre for the local farming community. Upon Frank's retirement, his son, Louis, took over the reins, and today Rooney Feeds is operated by his grandson, Spencer.
Perhaps some would find raising a family of seven and running a business challenging, but Frank Rooney was a multi-tasker. Over a period of eighteen years he served as a member of the Iroquois Public Library Board, councillor and reeve of Iroquois, director and chairman of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA), and charter member and president of the ROMA Insurance Program. He was also an active member of the Iroquois Lions Club. The community recognized Frank for his many contributions, honouring him with the Citizen of the Year Award in 1983.
Frank was a devoted Catholic and served the St. Cecilia's Catholic community for forty-four years. He was a member of the Father Bernard Coyle Knights of Columbus (6882) where he served as Grand Knight from 1996-1999.
Frank was a kind, caring, generous gentleman who was always lending a helping hand, in a quiet way, whenever needed. He was an astute businessman and a respected pillar of the community. He was known for his quick wit, his strong work ethic, and his warm personality. As a neighbor and friend, he was both valued and trusted. Frank was truly a loving and loyal family man. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and celebrated their numerous accomplishments.
Over the past ten years, Frank and his wife, Carol, shared many special times with family and friends.
Frank Rooney is, and will continue to be, truly missed. He will be in our hearts forever.