Kevin M. Rooney
November 17, 1949 ~ June 9, 2018
KEVIN ROONEY, LONG-TIME REPRESENTATIVE FOR L.I.'SOIL HEATING INDUSTRYAfter almost four decades as the face and voice of the heating oil industry on Long Island, Kevin Rooney recently passed away from complications related to pancreatic cancer.For the past 36 years, Rooney was the CEO of the Oil Heat Institute of L.I., a trade association representing the distillate fuels industry. Prior to joining OHILI in 1982, Rooney served as Director, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs at the U.S. Dept. of Energy in Washington, D.C. He was nominated for this position by President Ronald Reagan after serving as an energy policy advisor during the 1980 Presidential campaign and subsequent transition.His background included time spent in both Albany and Washington as Director of Legislative and Public Affairs for the L.I. Lighting Company and the Edison Electric Institute.Rooney held both undergraduate and graduate degrees in political science from L.I. University, where he also served on the adjunct faculty teaching courses in European and American political theory. Born in London, England, Rooney became an American citizen in 1981' the 'proudest day of his life, other than his wedding day' according to his son, Brian.Kevin is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Elaine, his three children' Susanne Sweeney (Peter), Kristen Masotto (Emil) and Brian (Jackie)' his brother Patrick, and the joy of his life, his seven grandchildren, Emma, Julia, Grace, Isabel, Katherine, William and Madelyn.The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.Funeral arrangements are as follows:Family, friends and others whose lives Kevin touched are invited to the Branch Funeral Home, 190 East Main St, Smithtown, Tuesday 2-4 & 7- 9 PM.Funeral Mass to be held at St. James Lutheran Church, Woodlawn Avenue, St. James, Wednesday at 10:00 a.m.
I have treasured my friendship with Kevin since 1979. Wise and witty, a wonderful friend. His only true source of happiness was his family. Rest in peace my friend. I miss you already, and always will. Becky
To the Rooney Family:Kevin was instrumental in helping me network my way into the OHILI and I’ll always remember him for that and for his professionalism and for being the gentleman he was.Warmest regards,Greg Saffer3875 Round Table Ct.Land O Lakes, FL. 34638
My sincere condolences to the Rooney family. May your family find some comfort in GodΓÇÖs promise expressed at John 6:40.
May the family find comfort from our Heavenly Father who comforts us during our trials. (2Corinthians 1:3,4)
Kevin and I have been friends since we first met in 1975. I watched proudly as he rose in his profession and achieved great success. He was always the consumate professional. I will miss him. My love to his wonderful family.
I love you and I miss you. Hope You Like The Fish! �
I love you and miss you so much!!! 💕💕💕
I have known Kevin since 1982 when he first started with OHILI. He was a passionate & dedicated advocate for the heating oil industry on L.I. He was also a great friend who will be missed terribly. My thoughts & prayers are with his family, RIP Kev.
Kevin thank you for contributions to our community and Suffolk county. It was a privilege to work with you. I wish much love and strength to the Rooney family during this difficult time. May God bless you.
We are so sorry for your loss may Kevin rest in peace. My husband Mike passed away on December 25th 2016 from cancer of the pancreas.
Forever in our hearts.
To Brian and family,So sorry to hear of your loss. Your father was a great man and will always be remembered by me as a Great soccer coach. God Bless him and all of your familyMatt & Eileen McCullough
Elaine and family – please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of Kevin.While you have never met me, please know that Kevin had a significant impact on my during my years in the energy industry. We would often discuss, and even more often debate, policy issues and politics. He had a clear head for business, and that brought strength to his approach to everything. More than that, he was an absolute gentleman. Although we hadn’t spoken in at least 3-4 years, I missed him greatly… and will miss him more now.Please find some peace in knowing how much of an impact Kevin had on so many of us, and how he talked of you and your family constantly. Michael Meath
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of professor rooney. He was and always will be my absolute favorite professor sending my love and prayers to his family.
I am so sad to hear about the passing of Professor Rooney. He had such a way with his students; we all learned to love Poly Sci because of him. He was truly my favorite professor. Sending healing energy, love and my condolences to his family during this difficult time.
I just recently learned about Kevin’s passing. Professor Rooney taught one of the best classes I ever took at LIU which led me to a career in advocacy and lobbying. He helped me tremendously that year. My condolences to his family
I only recently learned that Professor Rooney has passed away and I’m still trying to fathom what that means. He was my professor when I studied at LIU. He was not just one of the best lecturers I have ever had but the one who led me to choose political PR as my profession. More importantly he taught me what it means to be a decent compassionate human being.
As a student from Sweden on academic scholarship I needed to keep my GPA high to continue my studies at the university. A few days before our midterm exam I lost one of my closest friends and I gave Professor Rooney a letter explaining what had happened. Instead of dismissing me he quietly took me out of the exam room in the middle of the test, handed me the exam to do at home, and told me to take the time I needed.
That simple act of kindness understanding humanity stays with me. On that day more than through any lecture or academic lesson he showed me what it truly means to put humanity first.
He was a beautiful soul. Through his actions and the lessons he gave me and many others he will live on even on the other side of the world. His family were so fortunate to have him as a father grandfather husband.
May your spirit rest in peace and light dear Professor. You showed me how to stand tall not just as a professional but as a human being. I will carry your example with me always.