Charles Augustine Rooney Jr. ’53

After courageously battling a long illness, Charlie died in Somerville, N.J., Jan. 11, 2002, a day after his 71st birthday. Charlie pulled a strong oar for the frosh crew and rowed with the varsity. He roomed with John Wright and was in the Pre-Law Society. He was in the Right Wing Club, secretary-treasurer of the Interclub Committee, and president of Colonial. There, he and his wife-to-be, Anne Duffy, were high-spirited hosts for club parties. After serving as a lieutenant in the artillery and receiving his LLB from Columbia, he practiced law with his father and later headed the firm. Following Anne's death, Charlie became reacquainted with her good friend Eileen McCoy, a widow, and they had planned to be married. Among wives and classmates at Charlie's funeral were his friends Janet and Cowles Herr, and Cowles gave a heartfelt eulogy. Survivors include children Katherine, Charles A. III '79, Margaret, and Brian, brother George, sister Carolyn Rojack, and fiancee Eileen McCoy.

We say so long to Charlie, he with the big heart and wry wit. He never gave up and never gave in. He just finally gave out.

The Class of 1953