Arthur James Rooney, Sr.

Arthur James Rooney, Sr, 94, entered into eternal rest Saturday evening, October 22, 2022, with his loving family at his bedside. Art was welcomed with open arms by our Heavenly Father and his wife of 68 years, Ellen.

A Celebration of Art’s life will be at 3:00 PM, February 19, 2023, at Ashley River Baptist Church.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be private.

Art was born January 9, 1928 to Leo John and Jessie Post Rooney. Art along with his two younger brothers George and Bob, grew up in Fair Lawn, NJ. He was the sports editor of his high school newspaper and enthusiastically followed favorite teams and players his entire life. He was the Dodgers' #1 fan.

In 1948, while serving in the United States Navy in Charleston, SC, Art met the love of his life, Ellen Barnes. They married September 2, 1948, at Citadel Square Baptist Church. They lived in Fair Lawn, NJ for two years then returned to Ellen’s lowcountry roots here in Charleston. Art and Ellen were lifelong faithful members of Ashley River Baptist Church where they raised their three children: Artie, Debbie, and Donna. Art was an active member of the ARBC Senior Adult Choir until his death. He also played the harmonica sharing his faith through scripture and song to many.

Art retired from the Charleston Naval Shipyard then began his second career as an independent insurance agent. He and Ellen traveled through all contiguous 48 states in their RV visiting their daughter Donna in California and attending other family events. Their stops included Presidential libraries, state and national parks and baseball spring training in Florida.

During Ellen’s last declining years, Art lovingly cared for her at home until her death in January 2017.

Art, also known as PopPop, is survived by his three children: Maj Gen (ret) Arthur Rooney, Jr. (Helen) of Summerville, SC, Debbie Goulding (Fritz) of Mount Pleasant, SC and Donna Vordale (Dan) of Lompoc, CA; his grandchildren: Arthur Rooney III, Elizabeth Hayes (Dan), Gordon Rooney (Emily), Russell Rooney, Ashley Fisher (Michael), Lauren Cole (Sarah), Daniel Vordale (Karen), Lisa Cordes (Mark), Kelly West (Jake) and great-grandchildren: Caroline, William, Patrick, Erinn, and Sofia Rooney, Hunter, Noah, Zachary and Jacob Shimp, Joseph Leybas, Sadie and Christopher Fisher, Ellen Cole, Donovan, Vivienne and Ellison Vordale, Paxton, Blaire, and Duke Cordes, Winslow and Rooney West; his sister-in-law, Rosa Barnes Bendt; former granddaughter-in-law, Deborah Kilgore Rooney and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family thanks MUSC Neuroscience ICU and 9West for the excellent, compassionate care.

Memorials in Art’s name may be made to Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Hwy, Charleston, SC 29407 or to Roper Hospice, 8536 Commerce Parkway, Ladson, SC 29456 or to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. (843) 766-1365.