Richard Connell "Rich" Rooney

Richard Connell Rooney, age 53, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday March 27, 2024. He was born in Racine, WI, May 14th, 1970, the fourth child of James and Nancy (Schulz) Rooney.

Rich attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Grade School and William Horlick High School “Class of 1988”. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside in 1994.

Rich’s love of toys was not limited to his childhood. He was a titan of industry in the toy business. He was well respected in Supply Chain Management & Operations for several international toy companies, including Hasbro, Zizzle, Ridemakerz, and most recently at PlayMonster as the Chief Operations & Logistics Officer.

In 1997 he met and started dating Erika Salmen and proposed to her in December of that year. In 1999, Rich and Erika were married in Racine, WI, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. They are blessed with two beautiful children, Connell, and Colleen, whom they cherish more than anything.

Rich enjoyed traveling with his family, was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Twins and LSU Tigers (Geaux Tigers & Skol!). He loved watching and participating in his kids’ sporting activities. He was most proud of his sons’ cross country and daughters’ lacrosse sports. He enjoyed traveling with his family to Ireland, Jamaica, Europe, Disney World, Mexico and Door County, WI.

He will be remembered for his giant personality, his unmatched enthusiasm for living a full life with passion, and his unique ability to captivate a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a co-worker with his story telling.

Surviving is his wife of nearly 25 years Erika, son Connell John, daughter Colleen Erin, and his favorite bulldog Dudley Diggs. He is further survived by his parents James and Nancy Rooney, sister Erin Rooney (Danny Phillips), brothers Jim (Theresa) Rooney, and John (Margret) Rooney, sister-in-law Ursula (Eddie) Zemola, and mother-in-law Anna Salmen. In addition, he is survived by many nieces and nephews; Jennifer (Kevin) Pfledderer, Lisa Zemola, Jonathon Rooney, Ryan Rooney, Sarah Rooney, Andrew Rooney, Matthew Rooney, and Katelyn Rooney; great niece and nephew Benny and Alayna Pfledderer.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents Cornelius and Mabel Rooney, Herman and Frieda Schulz, father-in-law John Salmen, and beloved chocolate lab Guinness.

Visitation will be at Maresh Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, Wednesday April 3rd, 2024, starting at 10 AM, followed by a memorial service at noon. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the Austin Bulldog Rescue (www.austinbulldogrescue.com) in remembrance of Rich’s love for bulldogs.

The family would like to extend special thanks to the Rock County & Beloit first responders, Racine County Sheriff’s Deputy Andrew Rooney and Theresa Rooney for their loving and compassionate care.

In Rich’s honor, all are encouraged to enjoy a Guinness and some Irish Whiskey, and to wear something purple and yellow.