Joseph Eugene Rooney

Big Gene was born December 15, 1956 and passed away July 2nd, 2019.

His family moved to Santa Barbara in 1958 where Gene attended local schools. As a child he brought home every stray animal he could find. It always made him happy to rescue any animal that needed help. He also loved his cars and restoring them.

Gene was a Pit Local and a “Mesa Rat” where he had many friends. Gene worked for McCormick fuel as a teenager for many years. He then went to work for Jack Coffey, at One Way Paving. After that Gene learned the Carpentry trade.

Gene met the love of his life Jeri Lynn Mason whom he married in 2001. They spent a lot of time camping, barbecuing and just being with each other. They were together for 28 years.

Gene was preceded in death by his father Joseph Rooney and his wonderful mother Helen Rooney. And of course his beloved Pit Bull “Burff.” Gene is survived by his wife Jeri Rooney, one brother Steve (Fla.), 3 sisters, Connie (CO), Melody (SB), Kathy (SB), one nephew JB Vasquez of SB, and last but not least “Curly” his best friend.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Tucker’s Grove, area 2, on November 10, 2019 at 1:00 PM.

Arrangements entrusted to McDermott Crockett & Associates Mortuary.