Obituary of Ashley LeRoy Rooney

Ashley LeRoy "Roy" Rooney
August 26, 1947 – December 2, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Ashley LeRoy "Roy" Rooney, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and cherished friend. Roy passed peacefully, surrounded by his beloved family, on December 2, 2024, at the age of 77.

Born on August 26, 1947, to Dorothy M. Cross- Rooney and William Rooney Sr., Roy grew up in Belfast Maine and graduated from Searsport High School in 1967. He went on to build a remarkable 45-year career as a truck driver, working for Merrill Transportation and Sprague, where his dedication and strong work ethic were admired by all.

Roy is survived by his wife of 45 years, Linda Rooney, who was his steadfast partner and the love of his life. Together, they built a family filled with love and laughter, raising five children: Kimberly Colson, her partner Cheryl Worthing; Brian Rooney, his wife Amanda Rooney; William "Billy" Foss, Dale Haley Sr., his wife Sherri Haley; and Gary Haley along with his wife Dianne.

Known affectionately as "Grump" by his grandchildren, Roy was a constant source of wisdom and warmth. He leaves behind Rebecca Lopez, Dale Haley Jr “D. J” , Keith Brown, Jessica Colson, Travis Colson, Wesley Colson, Nevada Rooney, Niana Rooney, Hillary McClellan, Spencer Foss, and Jimmy Hawes. His legacy lives on in his great-grandchildren, Lily, Evan, Cameron, Rylee, Rebecca, Parker, Benjamin, Ronni, Isla, Esme, Paige, Ivan, Charlotte, Abigail, Andrew, Archer, along with the newest addition, Nicholas Lee.

Roy is also survived by his loving brother, William Rooney Jr., and his partner Carol Peer, along with his lifelong and dearest friend, Richard "Dicky" Harriman. He had a large extended family full of nieces and nephews that he loved dearly.  

He was predeceased by his parents, Dorothy and William Rooney Sr.

A man of many passions, Roy had a heart as big as his smile. He loved spending time outdoors, whether fishing, hunting, camping, or working on cars. Many would attest to his prowess as a cribbage champion, his joy for dancing, and his devotion to watching sports—especially racing. Summers were often spent camping with his sister in-law Franny, and winters brought cherished trips to Florida to visit his brother-in-law George and his wife Rose.

Roy's gentle spirit and boundless kindness touched countless lives. His family and friends will forever hold dear the memories of his laughter, his love for life, and the way he made everyone feel at home.

A celebration of Roy’s life will be held in the spring of 2025 a date will be announced later along with a disclosed location, for family and friends to gather in his memory. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Maine Health Home Health and Hospice Sussman House who loved and provided exceptional care for Roy in his final days. 

Roy’s legacy of love, humor, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever cherished.