Paul B. Rooney

Naples, Florida – Mr. Paul B. Rooney, of Naples, formerly of Waltham died Thursday, November 10, 2011 at Avow Hospice in Naples. He was 81.

Paul was born in Waltham on September 28, 1930, a son of the late Joseph and Julien (Shea) Rooney, and had been a lifelong resident before moving to Naples more than ten years ago. He was a graduate of Saint Mary's High School in Waltham and Boston State College.

Musically talented from childhood, Paul served with the United States Army during the Korean War where he played the trumpet with the 2nd Army Band. He also played professionally with the 'Hot Ginger Band' throughout New England and New York. He helped to keep the 'Big Band' era and sound alive by being one of the co-founders in 1980 of Waltham's 'Soft Touch Band', a group that has raised and given away more than $130,000. in scholarship money to talented high school musicians across the state. He served as the group's musical director until his move to Florida where he kept up his lifelong passion for music by playing for the 'Tamiami Tailgaters'.

In 1996 Paul retired from a long teaching career at the Fitzgerald Elementary School in Waltham. He was a member of the Waltham Educators Association, the Waltham Arts Council where he served on the board of directors and the Joseph F. Hill American Legion Post No. 156 in Waltham.

He leaves his wife, Shirley A. (Harlow) (Graves) Rooney; his children, Martha A. Rooney of Randolph and Stephen G. Rooney of Marlboro; his grandchildren, Robert, Paul and Timothy Rooney; his brothers, Donald J. Rooney of Nashua, New Hampshire and John N. Rooney of Norwood and many nieces and nephews.

Paul's first wife, Miriam (Shea) Rooney died August 27, 1994 and he was also a brother of the late Patricia M. Powers.

Family and friends will honor and remember Paul's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Friday, November 18th, from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.

Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.