Joseph Rooney

Early Saturday morning, Jan. 27, 2024, our youngest brother Joseph Rooney went to his Heavenly reward and is now building rat rods for Jesus. He has been perfecting his skill for years and now has the honor of showing The Man in Charge his talent. 

His family and many, many friends will miss his humor, his brilliance and his tremendous love. Joe’s knack for telling or fabricating a story is beyond comparison as in proof of his video (I.D.10.T.) he posted on Facebook years ago. Our hearts are broken and it will be hard to imagine life without Joe. Our times we had together will forever be treasured.

Joe’s ex-wife and loving caregiver, Monica Holliday took care of our brother to his last days. She took care of him and all his craziness, his old cars and many, many, many cats. He loved his cats, his ol’ cats were part of his family. How does any cat live to be 20 years old? Because Joe Rooney took care of them.

Joe was born in Libby, Montana to Mick and Jean Rooney on Aug. 25, 1960. He graduated in Libby and spent his younger years there. He had a great love for the mountains and streams of Montana. He loved hunting and fishing, and loved to bowl with his family and friends and he was a fantastic artist. 

His greatest love was searching for the elusive rickety old car or truck. His searching took him to Billings, Montana where his master skills helped him create his own business, “Joe’s Garage,” (but don’t call after 9 p.m.) Joe’s loving grandson, Isaac, plans to carry on his vision. He would be so proud.

Everyone knew Joe, far and wide, he had customers all over the world because of “Joe’s Garage” on Ebay. He could talk to anyone about an old car, the older the better.

Joe is survived by his ex-wife and care giver, Monica Holliday and her loving family; children Daniel and Maggie Holliday and Michelle Holliday, grandchildren Isaac, Emma, Sophia and Allison Holliday, Lydia and Tyler Smith and great-grandchildren Ashton and Orchid Smith.

Joe leaves behind his brothers and sisters and their spouses, Mike and Nancy Rooney, Libby, Montana; Dennis and Elna Rooney, Kalispell, Montana; Annie and John Vignali, Libby, Montana; Janet Percifield, Kennewick, Washington; Tim and Sondra Rooney, Libby, Montana. Also surviving their beloved uncle Joe are Cameron, Jamie, Deven, Jeremy, Andy, Julia, Kelly and Brenna and numerous great nieces and nephews.

Preceding Joe in death are his “Gramps,” Andy Anderson, parents Mick and Jean Rooney, brother-in-law, Monty Percifield and sister-in-law Dianna Rooney.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at St. Vincent Hospital, Billings Montana. Your care for our brother is greatly appreciated.

A memorial service for Joe is scheduled for 1 p.m. July 27 at the Libby Cemetery. After the graveside service all are invited to a pot luck barbeque at the Tim Rooney residence at 351 Old Stonefly Drive in Libby.

Joe, you are loved and will be missed by your family and many close friends, love Sis. And, as Joe would say, “Anyhoo.”