Paratrooper in Vietnam War; recipient of the Bronze Star
NORTH READING – Neal E. Rooney, III, 70, of North Reading and formerly of Somerville, died unexpectedly at his home on Saturday, December 18, 2021.
He was born in Somerville on January 8, 1951. He was the son of the late Neal E., II and June (Dunn) Rooney. He was raised and attended school in Somerville.
Neal was a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War, rising to the rank of Corporal. He was a paratrooper and served from 1968 to 1969. He received the Bronze Star Medal for his service.
He was a mason for the MWRA for over 30 years and has been retired for the past five years. Neal was a resident of North Reading for the past 32 years. He was a former member of the Community Planning Commission and a member of St. Theresa’s Church.
Neal had a huge heart. He was a family man and made people laugh. He was hard-working and very giving to others. He loved model cars, trains, houses, hunting and boating. Neal was a 100 percent disabled Vietnam veteran.
Family members include his loving wife of 32 years, Catherine M. (Powers) Rooney; his son, Neal E. Rooney, IV; his brother, Thomas Rooney, and his sisters, Linda (Rooney) Belcher and Heidi Mattos.
His funeral Mass will be held at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rte. 62), North Reading, on Friday, January 7 at 10:30 a.m. Masks must be worn at all times inside the church. Visitation will be held at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading, on Thursday, January 6 from 4 to 7 p.m.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in his memory to the North Reading Veterans Gift Account, Attention: Susan Magner, Town Hall, 235 North Street, North Reading, MA 01864.
To leave an online message of condolence, please visit: https://www.croswellfuneralhome.com/neal-e-rooney-iii/
