William Joseph “Will” Rooney, III, 44, of Newtown, died suddenly October 28. He was born in Bridgeport, September 28, 1974, and was the son of Susan Unger Rooney and the late William J. Rooney, Jr.

Mr Rooney attended Newtown schools. He made friends easily and had a way of making everyone feel special, a trait that he carried throughout his life.

In his early twenties, Mr Rooney lived in Santa Cruz, Calif., for several years. It was there, his loved ones say, he developed his artistic talent and became an accomplished, extraordinarily talented, and essentially self-taught cabinet maker. He returned to Newtown in 2001 with the goal of starting his own cabinet shop. He spent a few years learning traditional New England residential skills, and in 2005, he opened his own business, a custom cabinetry and fine furniture shop. William’s Architectural Millwork grew to become one of the largest custom and residential cabinet shops in the state. His love of Newtown was expressed in many ways, one of which was his desire to both live and build his business here. He took great pride in his work and his reputation, which was one of integrity. He was known as a wonderful boss who often went out of his way to help others.

Mr Rooney built a strong network of friends wherever he went and in whatever circles he socialized. His level of devotion to his family and friends cannot be put into words. They will forever miss his love and support.

His fiancé, Rachel Beth Dorfman, and their son, Zadok Steven Rooney; his children, Jacob Dwayne, Evan Joseph Rooney, and Abigail Louise Rooney, and their mother, Amy Rockwell; his mother, Susan Rooney; his sisters, Constance Schmiedecke and her husband, Donald Schmiedecke, and Clairemarie Rooney and her fiancé, Richard Kaback; two nieces; and a nephew survive him.

Friends may call Sunday, November 4, from 1 to 4 pm, at the Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, with a funeral service to follow at 4 pm. Internment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the William Rooney Children’s Trust, Claire Rooney Trustee, 108 West Wooster Street, Danbury CT 06810.