George "Mickey" Rooney
1944 – 2025

George "Mickey" Rooney, a dedicated U.S. Air Force veteran, NASA contractor, and beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. He was 80 years old.

Mickey began his service to the nation in the United States Air Force, where he served the first four years of his military career in the Aerospace Medicine field. Following this, he was selected to work as a contractor for NASA during the groundbreaking Apollo missions. Most notably, Mickey was part of the historic team that helped bring the Apollo 13 astronauts home safely—an effort that was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

After his contributions at NASA, Mickey returned to complete his Air Force career, ultimately retiring with 22 years of honorable service. He later continued his work in aerospace as an employee of Pratt & Whitney.

Mickey was preceded in death by his father, George W. Rooney; mother, Eileen Rooney; sisters, Patricia (Rooney) Cochrane and Kathleen (Rooney) Palmer; brother, William "The Gump" Rooney; son, Jeffrey "Mac" Rooney; and daughter, Rhonda Renissa Rooney.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Billie Jean Rooney; his son, Bronson Rooney; grandchildren, Renissa Rooney, Bronson Z. Rooney, and Jeremy Rooney; and great-grandchildren, Mario, Aaron, Arya, and Jalen.

Mickey will be remembered for his unwavering commitment to his family, his country, and to the spirit of exploration. His contributions helped shape history and leave behind a lasting legacy.