Norman Gary Rooke

WESTFIELD – Norman Gary Rooke, 89, of Westfield, MA, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 31, 2024 surrounded by his loving children. He was born in Springfield, MA, December 10,1934.  He served 8 yrs in the naval reserves, studied business administration, and spent his primary career as a banker. He retired as CEO of the Greater Springfield Credit Union and continued to serve as director. Throughout his career, he served in various leadership positions on credit union associations including roles as treasurer, director, and president. For hobbies, he enjoyed helping his children with various home projects, time with his grandchildren, visiting Alaska, golf, Nascar races, and volunteering with his church. Gary Rooke, a devoted member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Holyoke, MA and born-again Christian, loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He dedicated his life to serving as a Sunday School teacher, trustee and treasurer of the church. He volunteered with vacation bible school, Awana, and youth programs. He was born of Norman F. Rooke from Canada and stepmother, June (Carol) Rooke and aunt Florence Norris, having been predeceased by his biological mother Clara I. Tuttle from New Hampshire.  He married Barbara L. Stockwell in Southwick, MA on September 7,1957 and celebrated 60 beautiful years of marriage in 2017. He was preceded in death by his loving wife Barbara and leaves behind son, Kenneth N. Rooke; and daughters, Patricia J. Brown and husband, Warren A. Brown of Anchorage, Alaska; Theresa A. Fox and husband, Andrew T. Fox of Russell, MA; and Rebecca L. Rooke and husband, Juan A. Roman of Westfield, MA; his sister Carolyn J. Roberge and Ken Roberge of New Hartford, Connecticut and brother Craig Rooke and his wife Robin of Ranger, Georgia, and brother-in-law  Bruce W. Stockwell  and wife, Sylvane Stockwell.  The joys of his life were his six grandchildren, Andrew T. Fox, Jr. and wife, Lacey Fox, Danielle A. Fox and husband, John Montesi, Michael A. Brown, Haven F. Brown, Anthony M. Rooke, Emily L. Roman, Ashley A. Roman, Juan M. Roman, Jose R. Roman; and great grandchildren, Aria Roman, Mia Roman, Lydia Roman, and Ezra Brown-Moore. Gary Rooke showered his wife and family with unconditional love as his family was everything. Gary will be fondly remembered as loving, compassionate, and a blessing to others. He will be deeply missed by all those who were blessed to know and love him.  Calling hours will be held Tuesday, November 5, 2024 from 9:00-11:00 am followed by an 11:00 am Celebration of Life service at Firtion-Adams Funeral Home, 76 Broad St. Westfield, MA. The burial will be held in Pine Hill Cemetery, Westfield, MA. In Iieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to: Mountain View Baptist Church, 310 Apremont Highway, Holyoke, MA 01040. www.firtionadams.com

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