US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1963 until 1979. Born to an Irish-Catholic family, his father was a coal miner. He served as a paratrooper in the European Theater with the United States Army during World War II and following his return home, with the aid of the GI Bill he earned a Business degree from the University of Georgia. He established a real estate and insurance company in his native Bethlehem, Pennsylvania , prior to serving in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1958 until 1963. Rooney won a special election to fill the vacancy following the death of Congressman Francis E. Walter and during his tenure in Washington, he was well respected and known as an ally of the Labor industry. In 1976, he contributed to legislation which formed Conrail. He died of complications from Parkinson's disease.
US Congressman. A member of the Democratic Party, he served Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives from 1963 until 1979. Born to an Irish-Catholic family, his father was a coal miner. He served as a paratrooper in the European Theater with the United States Army during World War II and following his return home, with the aid of the GI Bill he earned a Business degree from the University of Georgia. He established a real estate and insurance company in his native Bethlehem, Pennsylvania , prior to serving in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1958 until 1963. Rooney won a special election to fill the vacancy following the death of Congressman Francis E. Walter and during his tenure in Washington, he was well respected and known as an ally of the Labor industry. In 1976, he contributed to legislation which formed Conrail. He died of complications from Parkinson's disease.
Bio by: C.S.
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