Obituary of Francis Joseph Rooney

Francis Joseph Rooney of Rothesay, husband of Barbara M. (Hewitt) Dupere, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 21, 2013 at his residence. Born in Saint John on January 16, 1934, he was a son of the late Gerard and Mary (Kierstead) Rooney. Fran attended St. Thomas and St. Francis Xavier Universities, and subsequently became owner and president of Hopper Electrical Co. Ltd. He was a member of the Rothesay Kings Rotary Club, and enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, and gardening. Fran was widely known as an accomplished steel guitarist, having received his first steel guitar at age 13 as a present from his father. He played with many bands and at many events over the years, and has mentored and assisted many young musicians in learning to play Pedal Steel Guitar. Fran was also an accomplished bass guitarist, and was inducted into the New Brunswick Country Music Hall of Fame in 2006. In addition to Barb, the love of his life for over 44 years, Fran is survived by two children, Jo-Anne Rooney-Brewin (Doug) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Michael Rooney (Ellyn) of Oshawa, ON; step-children, Randy Dupere of Clifton Royal, Heather Gallant (Yvon) of Kingston, and Jacqueline Dupere-Hanlon (Mark Hill) of Rothesay; grandchildren Ashlie Kaye, who was raised by Fran and Barb, and Madison Dupere and Jason Hanlon; great grandchildren Victoria, Emma, Alivia, and Brycen; siblings Margaret Coupier (Rene), Gerard Rooney (Diane), and Mary Catherine Roach (Dr. Paul), all of Saint John; sisters-in-law Dorothy Ratcliffe of Saint John, Ann Alderman of Fredericton, and Elizabeth Dallon (Brian Neal) of Fredericton; a brother-in-law, Bradley Hewitt of Saint John; several nieces and nephews; his good friends, Mark Hill, Leonard Tonge, Sam Aucoin, Ray Caissie, and Albert Dupere; as well as many other friends, especially those at the Hampton Seniors Resource Centre. In addition to his parents, Fran was predeceased by his son, John Rooney. Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John (634-7424), with visiting on Thursday and Friday, December 26 and 27, 2013, from 2-4 and 7-9 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 12:00 Noon from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church. For those who wish, remembrances to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, or any charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences and remembrances may be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.