January
19,
1934
19,
1934
August
24,
2020
24,
2020
As the 8th of 9 children, Paul was born on Friday, January 19, 1934, at home in Cedar Bluffs, Nebraska to parents James Virgil Rooney, Sr. and Marguerite Hogan Rooney. He was baptized on February 4, 1934 at St Mary's Catholic Church in Cedar Bluffs and later confirmed with his sister Teresa (now Sr. Mary Kevin, ASC).
Paul was Cedar Bluffs High School Valedictorian in 1951 and continued to excel in his education with degrees from the University of Nebraska, Pacific Coast Banking School, and Masters Degree in Theology at Creighton University.
Paul served his country while reaching rank of CT2 (Communications Technician 2nd Class Petty Officer) in the US Navy; receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1956.
Following his military career, Paul married Patricia Eileen Therese O'Brien on Saturday, January 12, 1963. From this forever union came children Brenda Kathleen Rose and Ann Maureen Bernadette.
During his professional career, Paul rose the ranks in the banking industry from an examiner to the Regional Director of the FDIC, retiring in 1989 to pursue full-time, volunteer charity work. His charity work included nursing home visitation ministry, hospice volunteer, respite care ecumenical worker, jail ministry, bereavement groups, RCIA, baptism preparation classes, Hispanic ministry, alientated Catholics ministry, editor of "Deacon Data", national secretary for NADO, Omaha Rep, and Region 9 Rep (NE, IA, KS, MO), and assisted with Deacon Formation Classes every Tuesday night with Patricia for 7 years!
Paul also served his community through his devout faith and was ordained a Permanent Deacon on April 20, 1979, by Archbishop John Quinn in San Francisco, CA. Later incardinated in Omaha in 1980. He served at Mary Our Queen Catholic Church.
Paul would say that of his accomplishments from education, to honors and titles, to service - ALL was a pure gift from God. He would quote Sr. Francis saying "I can only claim my own sinfulness; the rest is a pure gift from God!"
He was especially thankful for his saintly wife, Patricia. She was his role model, reflecting in her life the love of Christ Jesus that is in her heart at all times. She was a loving, caring, and supporting lifemate to him and it was clear he loved her dearly.
"No man has ever been more blessed with such a wife that I have been. Thank you for this Special Gift of Patricia, Lord" - Paul
Paul was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Mary Virginia; and brothers Patrick (Peggy) and Joseph (Jean).
He is survived by his devoted and loving sweetheart of 57 ½ years, Patricia; daughters Brenda Frazell and Annie (Eric) Bruner; siblings Margaret, John (Donna†), Deacon James (Mary†), Sr. Mary Kevin, ACS, and Rt. Rev. Marcel, OSB; grandchildren Brittany Bruner, Natalie (Bryan) Voithofer, Garrett Paul (Carla) Frazell, Christina Frazell, and Josette Frazell; 5 great-grandchildren (so far…); brother-in-law Daniel (Rose) O'Brien; and many nieces, nephews, family and friends
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