Eric L. Rooney, 26

    Eric Louis Rooney, who spent childhood summers in Montauk and for whom it remained a favorite place, was buried at Fort Hill Cemetery there on Nov. 21. Mr. Rooney died in Queens on Nov. 17. The cause of death was an accident, his family said. He was 26.

    Mr. Rooney was born on Sept. 16, 1986, to Bruna DiBiase and Richard Rooney in New York City. He grew up  in Flushing, Queens, and on Butternut Drive in Montauk.

    His mother, who lives in Montauk, said that as a child Eric excelled in school, taking part in a program for intellectually gifted children. He was perceptive, eager to learn, and a reader who loved going to bookstores to get new releases. He was a member of the National Honor Society and National Spanish Honor Society in high school.

    Days in Montauk were filled with beach time, dinners from Herb’s market, and eager waits for Montauk Mary’s ice cream truck. He played soccer, hockey, baseball, and basketball. In high school, he was a standout in the pole vault and track and, later, was a most-valuable player in a men’s soccer league. One of his sisters, Cara Rooney, attends Fordham University, where she plays on the women’s soccer team; her brother taught her the sport.

    Mr. Rooney graduated from Stony Brook University and was working as an account manager at Flushing Savings Bank.

    Mr. Rooney is survived by his parents; his father lives in Queens. Another sister, Lisa Rooney, lives in Montauk. 

    A funeral Mass for him was said at Holy Trinity Parish in Whitestone, Queens, on Nov. 21. There will be a Mass for him at St. Therese of Liseaux Catholic Church in Montauk at 10:30 a.m. on Dec. 23.

    Mr. Rooney’s family has suggested memorial donations to St. Therese of Lisieux, 67 South Essex, Montauk 11954, or to the Friends of the Montauk Library, Montauk 11954.