Bill “Rock” Rooney

Bill “Rock” Rooney, 62, died in his sleep at home in Palmer Jan. 2, 2013. His death was totally unexpected.

Originally from Fair Haven, N.J., Rock lived and worked in Alaska for more than 40 years. He came to work on the pipeline, fell in love with the country and made lifelong friends, found his “family” and stayed.

His ashes will be scattered at the Little Susitna River by Joe and Mike this summer and in the Atlantic Ocean by his sister and family.

Rock was born in Orange, N.J., on Nov. 3, 1950.

He graduated from Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School, Dean Junior College and completed courses at Southhampton College.

He was a master craftsman and kitchen and bath designer. Besides the pipeline work, he spent more time working in the most remote areas of the state and then years employed by several local building supply companies. While waiting to hear about a design job on Kodiak Island, he was driving a cab for Alaska Cab Co.

Over the years, he enjoyed surfcasting in the Atlantic Oceanl; ice fishingl salmon fishingl playing golf in the snow; woodworking; his favorite cockatiel, Buddy; and just being with the many good friends he had in the Valley, Terry, who died two years ago, Jean, Joe, Sandy, Mike, Peggy, Dave and others. He was a voracious reader with several books always within easy reach.

“All his Alaska friends as well as his East Coast family will sadly miss him,” his family wrote.

Surviving are sister, Barbara Nevius; stepmom, Anne Rooney; niece, Erica Nevius of Brussels, Belgium and her daughters, Anna and Calina; nephew, Toller Nevius, of Santa Fe, N.M.; step-sisters and their husbands, Patty and Tom Beatty, Lisa Jiorle, Victoria and Mark O’Neil, Laura Spacarottella, Donna and Rich Schwartz, and their various children, Brian, Scott, John, Alicia, Joe, Kelsey, Kevin; and many more cousins scattered around the East Coast.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Lillian Rooney and Bill Rooney; and maternal grandfather, Hugh Lamb, a prominent architect in New York City and New Jersey in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

When he visited New Jersey occasionally for Christmas, he would regale his family with his Alaska tales. His presence and his “belly chuckle” were his biggest gifts.

Many, many thanks to all those who knew him and considered him family. He loved you all.

Please send thoughts and condolences to Barbara Nevius, 62 Windward Way, Red Bank, NJ 07701.