Garret J. Rooney, 68, of Long Beach dies

Whether as a long-haired firefighter who pulled a woman from her burning apartment or the elder city administrator who skipped sleep for blizzard response, Garret J. Rooney defined tenacity, friends and family said.

They had no shortage of examples following the Long Beach resident's death Sunday at age 68.

"Everything he did came with a real passion and intellect," said Jim Moriarty, who served with Rooney as a Long Beach volunteer firefighter and, later, on the city Republican committee. "He could hold his own discussing any issue with anybody: food, sports, social issues, wine. It was like, 'God, how do you know so much about so many things.' "

Rooney battled lung cancer for much of 2010, retiring in the fall as assistant to the Long Beach city manager. Throughout his professional life, the father of eight had also worked as a bond broker, limousine service owner, bartender, financial consultant and public works superintendent.

Born in the Bronx, Rooney came to Long Beach after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He met Moriarty upon joining the fire department in 1971, and the two bonded after rescuing a woman from an apartment blaze.

As department chief from 1975 to 1981, Rooney camped himself at catastrophic scenes until they were cleared, his friend said. He joined civic groups such as the Ancient Order of Hibernians, where he was president of the city chapter, and Lions Club.

Long Beach City Manager Charles Theofan hired Rooney as his assistant in 2008, after working with him during a previous stint with the city. "In terms of blizzard response, he'd literally be out there 24 hours in a row," Theofan said. "There was no overtime. He was doing it because he wanted things to be done right."

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Despite his commitments, Rooney's son said family was never shortchanged. "I don't remember a single sports game he ever missed," said Nick Rooney, a 26-year-old U.S. Navy lieutenant who played lacrosse.

Rooney is also survived by his wife, Linda; children Rosemarie, Garret P., Kevin, MaryRose, Robert and Peter; a sister, Roseann Donnelly, and a brother, Kevin. He is predeceased by a son, Michael Scott.

Viewings are 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. today and Wednesday at Macken Mortuary in Island Park. Funeral Mass will be 10 a.m. Thursday at St. Ignatius Martyr Church in Long Beach. Internment will follow at Calverton National Cemetery.