Thomas Rooney Jr., EdD, a supervisor for student teachers at Cabrini since 2012, passed away on Wednesday, July 12. Over the years, he supported student teachers in Pre-K–12 public, private, and parochial schools in Delaware, Chester, and Montgomery counties.
“Tom was a truly dedicated educator who went over and above for his student teachers,” said Maria Small, Coordinator of Student Teacher Placements.
Cabrini student teachers who knew him shared fond memories:
“Dr. Rooney was more than just an advisor to me. He also became a mentor and a friend. I spent countless hours talking with Dr. Rooney about more than teaching. We talked about our families, we talked about life experiences outside of the classroom, and we talked about just life in general.
“Dr. Rooney shared with me his vast knowledge of education. When he saw me doing something he thought was good, he praised me. When he saw me do something that didn't quite work, he gave me constructive criticism. That constructive criticism challenged me to be better in the classroom.
“Dr. Rooney was an all-around great guy and I look forward to carrying on his legacy through my own teaching.”
-Kevin Pierce (MEd’15)
“You didn't just know Dr. Rooney when you worked with him, you formed a lasting relationship with him. Even after I completed my student teaching, I was able to reach out to him for teaching advice, and he was kind enough to give me guidance. He was the very definition of a gentleman and a scholar, and I will miss him dreadfully.”
-Dianne Zoccola (MEd'18)
“Dr. Rooney's guidance through my student teaching last fall was invaluable. I gained much more than a supervisor; I gained a friend. He helped me find my teaching style and encouraged me to run with it. Our paths crossed for a reason and for me, it was a blessing. I spoke to him often and continued seeking his advice and guidance even after my assignment was over.
“I am heartbroken and will miss him very much. I am comforted knowing I have another angel guiding me from above. Rest easy, Dr. Rooney.”
-Maria Purdy (MEd’16)
"This past Spring I was very fortunate to have Dr. Rooney as my student teaching supervisor. Dr. Rooney always went above and beyond to help me succeed. He was someone I could rely on to give me good advice about being an educator, advice that will help me throughout my teaching career."
-Tom Dougherty
Mass will be offered in Thomas Rooney’s memory on Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, at 12:30pm in the Bruckmann Memorial Chapel of St. Joseph.