Mike Rooney, age 80, a resident of Wheaton, IL, passed away on Monday, October 12, 2026. He was born September 9, 1946, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Hugh & Melvina Rooney.

Mike grew up in the Cleveland area, where he started working young with a paper route, cutting grass, shoveling snow, and then spent his high school summers as a lifeguard. He played football and ran track at Baldwin Wallace University while working his way through college. In February of his sophomore year, he reluctantly agreed to go tobogganing with his chemistry lab partner and spent the whole evening unable to take his eyes off his fraternity brother’s date. He went looking for her the next day and learned that her name wasn’t “Amelia” but Carol O’Melia. They had their first date that afternoon, and he always insisted that love at first sight was real. They were married on July 7, 1970 and Carol remained the love of his life for the next 56 years.

Mike built a long and successful career in freight and logistics, rising to senior executive roles. He gave generously of his time, volunteering with Outreach Community Ministries, where he helped open Jubilee Furniture in 2006. Mike also served as an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton.

After retiring in 2012, Mike finally had time for the golf course, where he loved both the game and the nature around him. Golf also brought him a special group of friends, his “golf buddies,” and oh, how they loved a December mild enough to let them play! Retirement gave Mike and Carol time to travel the world together with family and friends, and the years were busy as they kept up with grandchildren in the Midwest and on both coasts.

Family was always at the center of Mike’s life. His backyard gardens were a special place for him and the people he loved most. They were where he spent quiet moments tending his plants and where he gathered his family for celebrations big and small. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family. He loved being a father and a “Gumpy.” As a father he was loving, generous, and loyal, and as Gumpy he was playful, patient, and endlessly proud. He enjoyed building fairy gardens with the grandkids, cheering them on from the stands, or simply sharing special everyday moments together. His family brought him joy and love beyond measure, and he made sure each of them knew it.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol; his children Melissa (Bryan) Coyne, Megan (Stephen) Emery & Sean (Val) Rooney; his grandchildren Lauren & Allie Coyne; Blair & Rooney Emery; and Coleman, Cooper & Evan Rooney; and his brothers Philip & Fred Rooney. He was preceded in death by his parents and his three siblings, Hugh, Paul & Elizabeth Rooney.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Wheaton on Saturday, November 28, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Blood Cancer United (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) at BloodCancerUnited.org