Eugene "Gene" Rooney

BELCHERTOWN- Eugene E. Rooney, 89, a longtime Springfield resident passed away peacefully on Tuesday, January 21, 2020 with his family at his side. Gene, as family and friends called him, was born in Springfield on July 13, 1930 to William and Gladys (Golden) Rooney. He grew up in the North End of Springfield and attended local schools. He served in the National Guard until he was honorably discharged in 1950. He returned home to Springfield and married Loretta Ann Hervieux on June 19, 1950.   He began a long career as a butcher, with Armour Beef, Witkins Provision and Lewis Beef until his retirement upon which he moved to Chicopee. He also served many years as a Union Steward for United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UCFW) Local 1459.  He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 56 years, Loretta A. (Hervieux) Rooney and sons; Gene and Kelly Rooney.  He leaves his children; Brian Rooney (Debbie) of Belchertown, Gary Rooney (Mary) of Springfield and Gail McCoy (Len) of South Carolina,  six grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and extended members of the Rooney and Hervieux families. He was also predeceased by his siblings; Patricia Arpino, William, John and Robert Rooney.

Family and friends will gather to remember Gene on Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at Tylunas Funeral Home, 159 Broadway St., Chicopee, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a service of Remembrance at 6:45 p.m.

Interment of his ashes will be held privately by the family.

Donations in Gene's memory may be to the charity of one's choice.