Obituary of Robert J. Rooney

Robert Joseph Rooney passed away at his home on the morning of March 10, 2024 at the age of 76 with his loving wife Diana nearby. Bob was born in Jersey City to Samuel and Catherine (née Farrell) on July 27, 1947. He attended Lincoln High School where he developed his lifelong love of sports. Bob excelled in football and baseball, and he enjoyed skiing and swimming. Bob also coached boys’ and girls’ basketball teams. He was a great fan of the New York Giants, the Yankees, and St. Anthony’s Basketball. 

    In the early years Bob worked at the Westinghouse Elevator Division. He later became a successful industrial caterer, running his own business known as Blue Jay Caterers until his retirement. Bob’s catering truck, serving sandwiches, snacks, and terrific coffee, was a mainstay at the Bergen County Police Academy and various other spots in North Jersey.

    Bob’s mother Catherine introduced Bob to a cute girl with beautiful eyes named Diana Foulkes who lived on their block. Diana quickly became the love of Bob’s life. The two married on July 15, 1973, and spent 51 years together, most of the time living in Leonia, NJ. Over the years, Bob and Diana traveled the world together, and they particularly enjoyed spending their winters with friends and family on the beach in Aruba. 

    Bob is survived by his wife Diana, his sister Catherine and her husband Terrance Kaulfers, Diana’s sister Glenna Rosenthal and her husband Les, his niece Lauren and her husband Nicholas Picerni, his nephew Paul Kaulfers and his wife Priscilla and their child Theodore, and his niece Kathleen Kaulfers. Bob was predeceased by his parents and his brother Thomas. Bob will be remembered by his family and many friends for his sharp sense of humor, his kind and generous spirit, and his remarkably optimistic outlook on life.   

 Visitation will be held at the Frank A. Patti Funeral Home located at 327 Main Street in Fort Lee, NJ on March 15, 2024 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. https://frankpatti.com/. A private burial will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give/memorial-gift.