FREDERICK, MD. — Francis P. Rooney, longtime president of the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association, died Nov. 2. He was 78 years old.
Mr. Rooney was president of the B.&C.M.A. from 1985 until his retirement in 2005. He earlier was secretary to the board of directors of the association from 1983 to 1985 and government relations manager from 1979 to 1983. He joined the B.&C.M.A. as an assistant to the president in 1976.
He began his professional career as a congressional aide to Barry Goldwater (a U.S. Senator) and later served as a legislative assistant at the Motor Vehicle Manufacturers Association before joining the B.&C.M.A. He was a graduate of The American University in Washington and the University of Baltimore Law School.
“Frank was a dear friend to many and has served the association well over the years,” the B.&C.M.A. said. “His forward thinking led him to institute B.&C.M.A.’s Safety Awards in 1988, which is a program we still use today and has been very successful over the years. We extend our deepest sympathies to the Rooney family.”
He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Sarah (Loughran) Rooney; first wife Regina Rooney, and brother Robert. Survivors include his wife, Rosalie Rooney; a brother, Thomas; daughter Laura and husband Richard Johnson, son Francis Jr. and wife Heather, step-sons Jeffrey Baxter, Thomas Baxter and Alexander Baxter; 12 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.
