Jerome Michael Rooney

Jerome “Jerry” Rooney, age 71, passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2020 at Lovelace Westside Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Jerry stoically battled cancer for the past four years before his body refused to allow it any longer.   Jerry was born in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin on March 18, 1948.  Jerry spent his childhood in Wisconsin where he could explore the outdoors and formed many friendships.

Prior to Jerry’s life in New Mexico, he resided with his sons, Aaron and Justin, in Hart, Michigan. He raised Justin and Aaron on his own and was heavily involved in their extra-curricular activities. He was well known by their friends as a welcoming parent and kids would often gather at Jerry’s home to play basketball or a game of pool. Jerry found his passion for raising, breeding, and showing American Staffordshire Terriers. His work with this particular breed resulted in a championship bloodline that still exists to this day around the world. This is an accomplishment which he was rightfully proud of. Jerry was also active in the dog show arena, often judging dog shows, and was recently invited to judge dogs in Italy. His legacy with this breed of dogs will continue for many generations.

On April 9, 1998, Jerry married the love of his life, Kelli (Struble) Rooney in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Jerry and Kelli were true soulmates, and enjoyed many adventures together, with the best ones being traveling back to Wisconsin and Indiana to be with their children and grandchildren or showing them the sights when they visited Albuquerque. Jerry leaves a legacy of love, humor and integrity with Kelli, their children, and those who knew him.

Upon marrying Kelli, and having had four sons, Jerry gained the daughter he’d always wanted. Hollie (Greene) Nelson also gained the father she had always wanted and needed in her life. The love, lessons, advice and support he provided to her in her life was always embraced and will never be forgotten.

Jerry and Kelli had a passion for their hobby of collecting and selling antique glassware. He was well known in the estate sale circles as "The Glass Guy", and enjoyed getting up at the crack of dawn to go be first in line at local estate sales. Jerry had a good natured competition with some of his estate sale buddies - always wanting to find the best piece first and the bragging rights that went along with it.

Jerry began to embrace his sobriety (proudly earning his 25-year sobriety chip in 2019) and was active in the recovery movement. He believed strongly in redemption and had a passion for helping others which guided his journey into his profession.  Jerry was a licensed drug and alcohol addictions counselor in the Albuquerque community, most recently working for Susan’s Legacy – a non-profit agency committed to serving women with co-occurring mental health and addictive disorders.   He was a kind and compassionate refuge for many people experiencing addiction issues.  Jerry’s kindness and compassion was evident to all those who met him, instantly making people feel comfortable in his presence.

Jerry loved life and learning about other cultures. His love and compassion for others carried over into his political beliefs. Anyone who knew him knew where he stood politically. He truly “felt the Bern” and never missed a chance to vote and express his civic duty. Jerry wanted better for the Earth, and all of us who inhabit it, and would have been thrilled to see society move back to caring about each other and moving away from a “reality TV” type of governing.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Kelli Rooney of Albuquerque, New Mexico; his children Eric (Kelly) Rooney of Milwaukee, Wisconsin;  Todd Rooney of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Aaron (Teresa) Rooney of Fishers, Indiana; Justin (Sarah) Rooney of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Hollie (Michael) Nelson of Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Jerry was the beloved grandfather of Tylar Rooney of Shelby, Michigan; Caitlyn Rooney of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin; Christopher and Makenzie Rooney of Fishers, Indiana; Natalie and Levi Rooney of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Davis Harrison of La Crosse, Wisconsin; Matthew Nelson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Erika, Alex and Ian Rooney of West Allis, Wisconsin.   Jerry is survived by seven great grandchildren.

Jerry is also survived his brother Patrick Rooney of Grand Rapids, Michigan; a sister Alison Roye Hunter of Eau Claire, Wisconsin; brother Jon Annis of Phelps, Wisconsin; and sister Gayle (Dan) Krecklow of Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  Jerry was a loving uncle to his three nephews and one niece in the Wisconsin area.  Jerry is preceded in death by his mother Mary Dachel; and father Jerome Rooney.

A Celebration of Life with be held in Jerry’s honor this spring in Wisconsin.  In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to Susan’s Legacy in Jerry’s honor. www.susanslegacy.org  /  11005 Spain NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111, USA