David Leo Rooney DMD of Rings Island in Salisbury and Oaxaca, Mexico, passed away on July 6 at home with family by his side. In addition to his beloved wife Jan, Dave is survived by his daughter Kayla of Williamstown, son Shawn of Plum Island, a grandson, Sasha, niece Kendra Price, and nephew William Price.
Born on June 13, 1944, in Holyoke, Dr. Rooney received a DMD degree in 1970 from the University of Pennsylvania and established a 30-year dentistry practice in Danvers. He had such a passion for travel and adventure, as a young man he traveled overland from London to Nepal, and after the Rooneys married, they celebrated with a six-month around-the world honeymoon.
After retiring, Dave found joy in acquiring and renovating real estate, collected and traded antique maps, and alongside Jan, supported the non-profit Partners in Development which provides poverty-stricken communities with tools and resources to improve their lives and livelihoods. Through PID, Dr. Rooney established the first dental practice in a small village in Guatemala. The Rooneys eventually made a second home in Oaxaca, Mexico, where they spent wintertime with friends old and new. Dave could often be found wearing his favorite blue hat whipping up some delicious guacamole.
Dave was a Renaissance man with many interests. He painted watercolors, beautiful works of art that are treasured by friends and held dear by his family who are blessed to own one. Friends remember him as a gentle soul with a lively, warm personality, a ready smile quick to turn to laughter, and a sincere interest in getting to know people. He will be missed.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Partners in Development, P.O. Box 901, Ipswich MA 01938https://www.pidonline.org/
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Arrangements were made by Elliott Woodworth & Rogers Family Funeral Home, 35 Green Street, Newburyport, MA 01950.