Rochester, NY: A life well-lived. May 30, 2022 “Bruce” passed away peacefully with his 2 children at his bedside at the age of 101 after battling Congestive Heart Failure and COPD. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He is survived by his children John W. Rooker (Linda), and Nancy A. (Rooker) Bodhorn (Patrick Ronald), grand children Eric M. Bodhorn, and Kimberly A. Beckley (Adam) and by his sister Marie Proudfit, 3 sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews, as well as his much-loved cat, Sherman. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 73 years, Joanne L. Rooker who passed away just 30 days prior to him, his parents Francis O. Rooker and Josephine Rooker, and his brothers Calvin Rooker & Jack Rooker.
Bruce lived a wonderful life. After graduating from Grove City College in 1943, he served in the US Navy. He excelled in his career as a Chemical Engineer. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather. He had a lifelong love of playing sports including but not limited to baseball, soccer, golf, bowling, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing, water skiing, and boating. He also loved hunting and fishing. He was a Buffalo Bills fan from their start in 1960, often joking that they founded the team for him, the year he moved from “Steeler’s Country, PA” to Orchard Park, NY.
A celebration of his life/memorial service will be held at 2PM Saturday June 25th at St John’s Meadows, 1 Johnsarbor Drive W, Rochester, NY 14620 in the Briarwood Multi-Purpose room. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Heart Association, the American Lung Association, a hospice/palliative care organization, or your favorite pet rescue group.
I was a new Chemical Engineer starting a job at Koppers a chemical in Lock Haven PA in 1958.?Bruce was my supervisor during a new chemical process startup. I enjoyed our relationship a great deal. I left in1961 and lost track of Bruce.?I’m happy he lived such a full life.