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Frank was born Francis Roy Rooney to Vernon L. Rooney and Jesse Rooney on April 25, 1931. He was born at Inspirational Hospital and it was in Inspiration that he grew up. He had a childhood filled with fond memories, great friends, and numerous adventures (many involving his twin brother, John) that he would retell throughout his life. He graduated from Miami High School and went on the attend Arizona State University where he was a sophomore class president and a member of the golf team. He graduated with a degree in accounting.
After working as an accountant at the mine in San Manuel for a couple of years, he decided that he would pursue a career in dentistry. He went to the University of Arizona where he picked up his prerequisites for dental school, and then he proceeded to Baylor University Medical and Research Center in Dallas for dental school. It was at Baylor where he met his wife, Rosemary Turner, who was there completing her internship in dietetics. They married in 1961 and within a few years, moved back to the Globe Miami area to be near his brother and parents. He practiced dentistry for 41 years before retiring in 2000.
He was a strong believer in exercise and ran every morning for many years. He spent his free time golfing every chance he had and spent his vacations fishing for trout in the streams of Greer.
He is survived by his wife Rosemary, children Heidi of Tucson, Holly (Remberto) of Globe, Frank of Portland, Oregon, grandchildren Katerina and Julia, brother Vernon (Gaynel) of Morrisville, North Carolina, sister-in-law Nel and several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents and by his twin brother John.
He died peacefully on Nov. 26, 2019 at his home with family by his side. Graveside services will be at Pinal Cemetery.
