Obituary: William Paul Rooney, 88, a Special Agent for the FBI

William Paul Rooney, 88, of Tinton Falls, NJ, beloved father and husband, passed away on February 1 in Long Branch. 

William was born in Wilkes Barre, PA, and lived in Middletown for most of his life. He entered the University of Notre Dame in 1942.  William left Notre Dame in 1943 to serve in the Army Air Corps during World War II.  He returned to Notre Dame in 1946 and graduated cum laude in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science in Commerce.  

William was a Special Agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1951 to 1979.  He was then employed by the New Jersey State Commission of Investigation from 1979 until his retirement in 1994. William was a Past Chairman of the New Jersey Shore Chapter of the Society of Former Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  He was also a long-time and active member of St. Mary's Parish and a Past President of the Mater Dei PTA.  William was an avid runner and appreciated the importance of fitness throughout his life.

Surviving are his two daughters and sons-in-law, Diane Elizabeth and Dennis F. Bergeron Jr. of Green Brook, NJ, and Janet Duvall and John C. Traynor of New York, NY; his son and daughter-in-law, William H. and Mary M. Rooney of Darien, CT; and his grandchildren, Capt. Roy Bechtold, USMC, Laura Traynor, William K. Rooney, Austin Rooney, and John Rooney.

William was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elizabeth "Bette" D. Rooney and his parents, William and Ruth Rooney.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 8, from 5 to 7 pm  at the John F. Pfleger Funeral Home, 115 Tindall Road, Middletown.  A Funeral Liturgy will be offered Saturday, February 9, at 10:30 am at St. Mary's Chapel, 26 Leonardville Rd., Middletown. Burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.