Paul Rooney

A Memorial Mass will be said for Paul Broderick Rooney, 74 of Chico, on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 10 a.m. at Our Divine Savior Catholic Church. A Vigil Service will be held the night before at 7 p.m. at the church. Paul passed away peacefully at home on Friday, December 2, 2011, after an eight year battle with cancer. His acceptance of his illness and his will to live life to the fullest was an inspiration to all who knew him. Paul was born April 17, 1937 in Dorchester, Mass., the second son of William and Lillian Broderick Rooney. He grew up on the East coast and loved to sail as a boy. The family moved to Portland, OR when Paul was a senior in high school. After graduating from Columbia Prep., Paul went to Santa Clara University, graduating in 1959. He spent two years in the Army based in Yuma, AZ. His duties included traveling as a member of the tennis team. Paul returned to Santa Clara and began a 30 year career with the Santa Clara County Probation Dept. He spent many years working with child abuse victims. His expertise made him the "go to guy" for many public health nurses, physicians and teachers in the area. Paul earned a Masters in correctional counseling from Chapman College. He taught in the criminal justice departments of the College of the Redwoods and Gavilan College. After retiring, he worked with the Giarretto Institute. Paul and Molly moved to Chico in 1997. Paul enjoyed life on the tennis courts, sailing his boat in S.F. Bay, golf with his buddies, Chico's bike paths, and traveling the world with Molly and friends. He was an active member of Our Divine Savior Catholic Church, Court Appointed Special Advocates, and Knights of Columbus. Paul is survived by his wife of 49 years, Molly; son, Sean (Denise) Rooney; daughters, Sheila (Stuart) Murray, and Katie Valenzuela; granddaughters, Kaitlin Rooney and Julia and Liza Murray; brothers, William F. Rooney Jr. and David Rooney. Memorial contributions may be made in his name to CASA of Butte County, in care of the Brusie Funeral Home.