By Scott Brinton
Mr. Rooney, who served as a school trustee for nearly 25 years, was always a jovial sort, quick with a smile and a joke. He could also, however, be serious, and he was absolutely serious about ensuring that school children from throughout the Bellmores and Merricks received the best education possible.
Irma Wilk, president of the North Bellmore School Board, said, "As a board member, Jim Rooney's decisions were inevitably guided by one question: 'Is it good for the students?'
"He was committed to give our kids the best possible education the community could offer," Wilk said. "He was a man of purpose and vision, and he has left an enduring legacy."
James Rooney II, Mr. Rooney's son who lives in North Bellmore, said, "He always served his country, community and his neighborhood. Some of his greatest achievements were in serving the children of the North Bellmore and Bellmore-Merrick Central High school districts. He touched so many people.
"It's amazing the outpouring of emotion by the community. I'd like to thank the community for the support they have given us through these hard times."
In early January, Mr. Rooney was named the Bellmore Herald Person of the Year 2002 for his years of dedicated service to local children. At a recent North Bellmore School District meeting, Mr. Rooney said, in his characteristically humble manner, "I was very surprised when I received this honor from the Herald. I couldn't have done it without everyone: the staff, board members, the community."
Mr. Rooney was a retired, highly decorated New York City police detective. He brought to the board of education a deep understanding and love of citizenship. He believed people must look out for their communities and, most important, their children. They are, as he often said, the future. The phrase has almost become a clich these days, but Mr. Rooney was one who truly took it to heart.
Mr. Rooney, who had made his home in North Bellmore since 1965, earned a bachelor's degree from St. John's University and completed graduate credits in education at C.W. Post. During his 33 years as a member of the NYPD, he earned numerous awards, including the Medal of Honor, the police force's highest commendation for valor. Before entering the police department, he served in the U.S. Navy's Submarine Service.
Mr. Rooney was a member of the North Bellmore and Bellmore-Merrick school boards since 1978. He was also a member of each district's Safety Committee and the Bellmore-Merrick Community Wellness Council. He was a former coach and officer of the Bellmore-Merrick Midget Football and Roller Hockey leagues and a member of the Bellmore Knights of Columbus and the Elks.
Mr. Rooney won re-election to the North Bellmore board last May by a 60-to-40 percent margin. During the election, Patricia Losquadro, of Bellmore, wrote this about him in a letter to the editor: "In Rooney lies the most gentle of giants with heart and abundance of kindness for children.
"Rooney has put the children of the community first and foremost. It would be a great injustice to the children and by the community not to re-elect Rooney."
Mr. Rooney was widely seen as a major force in upgrading standards for the North Bellmore and Central High school districts.
Over the past several years, the North Bellmore School District has continued to improve its educational program by upgrading all curricula. New textbooks, materials, supplies and staff development have been provided to ensure that educational goals -- particularly recently upgraded state standards -- are met. The district has also made greater use of advanced instructional technology in its six elementary schools.
In the 2001-2002 academic year, the North Bellmore district started a full-day kindergarten program and reopened the Martin Avenue School, which was closed in 1978 and had served for 23 years as a district administrative office and a school for children with Down syndrome.
Overcrowding in North Bellmore schools forced the district to reopen Martin Avenue recently. Mr. Rooney first ran for election to the North Bellmore board because of his experience in fighting the shutdown of the Martin Avenue school. Mr. Rooney believed the school provided the surrounding neighborhood with a sense of identity and was needed to prevent the overcrowding that eventually ensued.
In the Bellmore-Merrick Central School District, which comprises two middle schools and three high schools, the list of students getting into Ivy League and other prestigious universities grows annually. Test scores continue to rise. The district, which was once considered average, now ranks among Nassau's top 10 or 12 and among the best two or three on the South Shore, according to Newsday.
Mr. Rooney, along with other veteran members of the Central board, had much to do with elevating the district into the ranks of this county's elite school systems.
Nina Lanci, Martin Avenue School PTA president, said Mr. Rooney's passing will leave a void in the North Bellmore School District.
On Wednesday, Jan. 22, all of the elementary schools of the North Bellmore district were to be closed in honor of Mr. Rooney.
Mr. Rooney was predeceased by his wife of 33 years, Joan. In addition to James II, he is survived by two sons, John and Jeremy, and five grandchildren.
A Mass of Christian Burial was to be celebrated for Mr. Rooney on Jan. 22 at St. Barnabas Roman Catholic Church in Bellmore. Burial was to follow Holy Rood Cemetery in Westbury. The C.S. Bartholomew & Son Funeral Home in Bellmore directed the arrangements.
