Francis John Rooney

DELMAR- Francis John Rooney, of Delmar, NY, born June 19, 1952, passed away on March 7, 2025. He joins his parents, Phillip and Charlotte, his brother Kevin, parents-in-law Carl and Irma; sister and brother-in-law Didi and Tom, nephew Terry, and many other loved ones on the eternal frontier. Frank is survived by his loving wife, Kerrilynn; his four children, Tara (Todd), Christopher (Jamie), Michael (Christine), Patrick (Claire); his sister Marianne; sisters-in-law Teresa, Kaye, Kristyn, Keryl (Ron); nieces, Katie, Lisa, Traci, Laurel and Gracie; nephews Steven, Garrett, and Michael; as well as many family members and lifelong friends. Frank’s most recent title was “Pop” to his two adoring grandchildren, Evelyn and Miles.

Born and raised in Delmar, NY, Frank lived an idyllic, small-town life, attending St. Thomas Grade School, followed by Bethlehem Central Junior and Senior High Schools.

In 1973, Frank made “the best decision of my life,” by marrying Kerrilynn Rappe, with whom he enjoyed 51 years of marriage. That same year, they moved to Catherine Street in Albany. Later they moved back to Delmar, on Merrifield Place. Frank managed Hardy Shoes in Colonie Center for 5 years before taking a job with the Department of Corrections for the State of New York.

Frank loved his work as a sales manager, and retired after close to 42 years of service. He was a member of the VFW Auxiliary 3185, volunteering with friends and family for most of his life. He also served as an elder at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, where he was a longtime member.

People gravitated towards Frank, for he had a natural charisma and relatability, a quality he undoubtedly inherited from his mother. Frank served as a father figure to many of his children’s friends by offering acceptance and guidance when they needed it - oftentimes at the table, enjoying his famous barbecued chicken. Many will remember seeing Frank around town on his bike, walking his dog, or cruising in his car on the way to the pool, sporting his signature sunglasses and big Irish grin.

He passed on a deep love of music, sports, and the ineffable idea of “cool” to his children. They honor him through their own personal, professional, and artistic pursuits, reaching levels of fulfillment he always hoped for them.

Frank was looking forward to his youngest son’s wedding this spring. Although he won’t be joining them for that celebration, Frank would not want for anyone to miss out on “a happening”.

Therefore, his family will look forward to celebrating his life with a memorial service on June 21, 2025 at 10:30am in Bethlehem Lutheran Church, in Delmar, NY.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692 Dallas, TX 75284-0692 or Bethlehem Lutheran Church, 85 Elm Ave, Delmar, NY 12054

“In my life, I’ve loved them all”