Michael T. Rooney

Michael Thomas “Mike” Rooney, beloved husband and father, passed away peacefully Saturday, September 6th with his wife, daughter, beloved pets Tiber and Zorra at his side after a yearlong battle with brain cancer.

Mike was born in Killeen, Texas, to Naomi Rooney and the late Larry Rooney. He spent the first five years of his life living in France, while his Dad served in the Army. The family then settled in North Reading, where Mike grew up. As a young child he enjoyed being a Cub Scout and cherished weekends spent at the family farm property in New Boston, NH. His fondest memories of the farm were riding around the mountain on the old tractor, hunting salamanders after a rainstorm and running free through the fields. These experiences instilled in Mike a love for nature and outdoor adventure. Once introduced to hockey at age 7, he was hooked and continued to play throughout his life. At age 11, Mike insisted he wanted to learn to ski, which led to the entire family learning. This became the winter weekend activity, along with regular Sunday dinners at his grandparents.

Only skiing and hockey would get Mike out of bed willingly in the early morning hours. Mike loved his childhood pets, which included two dogs and his rabbit. As a teenager, he was known to have many spirited discussions with his Dad on a variety of topics. No doubt these conversations honed his critical thinking and negotiating skills.

After graduating high school, Mike attended UMASS Amherst earning his BS in Physics, where he made many lifelong friends. He later went on to earn his MBA from Babson College in 2003, graduating summa cum Laude. His career spanned roles at Philips, Brooks Automation, Luminous and Materion, holding management and director level roles in manufacturing and supply chain. His most recent and rewarding work was, however, as Director of Operations at TIVE Inc, a start-up. Work took him all over the world, including Thailand, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam, Mexico City, Philippines, China, South Korea and beyond.

In 1986, Mike met his now wife, Hollace E. (Neff,) through mutual friends. The two married in Acton, MA, in 1991 and began their life together in California before settling in Westford, MA, in 1997. Mike and Hollace spent a lot of time camping and skiing with friends, enjoyed travel, adding passport stamps from Ireland, Czech Republic, Austria, Netherlands, Scotland, Germany and England, as well as many states across the United States. They worked on many a house project together and Mike was patient in teaching “measure twice, cut once.” In 1999, they welcomed their daughter, Kenna Bryce, who was the light of Mike’s life. A devoted father, Mike spent the first 18 months at home with Kenna. He shared the best of his personality with his daughter, she is a Rooney through and through. Their family was rounded out by their beloved Keeshonds, Sherlock and Kricket.

Mike’s passions ran deep, especially for skiing, which he pursued from childhood on. He skied the mountains of New England and the West, including Mammoth, Tahoe and Colorado, even venturing overseas to Chamonix FR for a trip. A special place he grew to love was the entire Wasatch Range inclusive of Park City, Alta, Snowbird and Snow Basin, his favorite. He hiked Tuckerman’s several times with friends. He taught skiing at Nashoba Valley, raced ATR for years and competed in Masters Racing across New England, training locally at Ragged Mountain. He was also a dedicated hockey player, carving out time for early-morning pick-up leagues in both MA and CA and enjoyed sharing season Bruins tickets the last several years. Rounding it out as an avid cyclist, Mike logged miles across the region and participated in local events with his riding friends. After a good ski day or ride, Mike was known to enjoy a craft IPA or Stout with friends.

Mike also enjoyed a variety of music genres, from the Blues of Muddy Waters to the Grateful Dead, Pat Metheny to Led Zeppelin — with immense appreciation for talent like Jeff Beck to Jack White and had some signature dance moves.

In addition to his wife, daughter and mother, Mike is also survived by his sisters, Debbie Vierra and her husband, George and Lauren Carroll and her husband, Brian; his brother, David Rooney and his late wife, Jennifer; his Aunt Barbara and Uncle John; as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. He also leaves behind countless friends who became like family, relationships he treasured deeply.

Mike lived his life with integrity, kindness and patience. Known for his dry wit and humor, he was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and friend. He will be terribly missed and will be loved for the rest of our lives, plus one more day.

Hollace and Kenna want to extend a special thank you to the friends, family and especially his amazing doctors who helped support Mike throughout the last year and more.

Relatives and friends are invited to Mike’s Celebration of Life on Saturday, September 13, 2025 from 1 until 4 PM at the WESTFORD HEALY FUNERAL HOME, 57 N Main Street, Westford. Burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mike’s memory to MGH Neuro-Oncology, https://tinyurl.com/258fk7hb or to the New England Master Ski Racing Philanthropy Organization, https://neskiracing.org/.