Rudolph Valentino Looney Sr. was known as a man of integrity. He took great care of his family and was an excellent provider. Not only was he well respected and loved, he was always a hard worker.

For 25 years, he worked two full time jobs concurrently and he always did it with a smile on his face.

His employment history included a supervisory position with the United States Postal Service, ownership of a family grocery store for 25 years and a 41-year career as a teacher in the Philadelphia public school district. His many co-workers fondly called him “Big Daddy.” His personality, his dedication and his hearty laugh will always be remembered.

The devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather died October 21. He was 81.

Looney was born to Mack and Beatrice Looney on May 30, 1930, in Faraday, West Va. He was the fourth of six children.

He was educated in the Faraday, West Virginia public school district.  Academic achievement and excellence were primary forces in his life. He graduated, at 16 years of age, from Excelsior High School, as an honor student. 

His undergraduate studies were completed at Bluefield State College. Looney was awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. He graduated magna cum laude. In addition to academic excellence, Looney was a star athlete.

He was the captain of his college football team. Unfortunately, an injury to his knee prevented him from being named to the ranks of Little All American. Later in 1950, he was named “Kappa of the Year” by the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.

During his academic experience at Bluefield State College, he met the love of his life, Gwendolyn Marie Jackson. The two were married on February 12, 1951. Their union lasted 59 years, until her death on March 6, 2010. They were devoted to each other. Evidence of their love was demonstrated whenever and wherever you saw them. They had five children: Kevin Sr., Keith, Karen, Kim and Rudolph Jr. Family was always their focus. They raised their children in a loving environment. They nurtured their children. Family time was very important. Vacations included time spent at resorts and cruises and often included not just their children but their grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. Their home was open to many, and their hearts were open to all.

Looney leaves to mourn: five children, Kevin Sr. (Tonya), Keith (Dora), Karen (Ferris, Jr.), Kim and Rudolph Jr.; two siblings, Mack Jr. and Donald (Rose); sister-in-law, Billie Jean Marrs (Edwin); 10 grandchildren, Julian “JJ” Busbee Jr. (Tia), Tonya D. Looney, Ferris L. Davis III (Jeniece), Damen K. Looney Sr., Kevin Looney Jr. (Dionne), Kendrick A. Looney, Kalitta S. Looney, Clifford C. Bullock Sr.(Erin), Jasmine M. Looney, Rudolph V. Looney III; 21 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, “adopted” children, family and friends.

Looney was preceded in death by siblings, Juanita Looney, John Watterson and Billy Jean Reed.

Services will be held October 28 at Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 5619–45 Walnut St. The service will start at 11 a.m. Bringhurst Funeral Home handled the arrangements.