Keyport public works supt.,
FILE PHOTO Keyport Public Works Department Superintendent Arthur “Art” Stephen Rooke was a familiar figure in his township vehicle.
Arthur Rooke, dead at age 56
By Elaine van develde
Staff Writer
If you’ve ever been to any Keyport function of any type, you’d see Art Rooke’s face in the crowd. And if you ask anyone in town, they’ll tell you that though Rooke is now gone, his dedicated spirit will remain with the borough, leaving an impression as much more than just a face in the crowd.
A lifetime Keyport resident who was born in Long Branch, 56-year-old Arthur "Art" Rooke passed away on Dec. 18 at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.
Rooke, who was superintendent of the Keyport Public Works Department for 36 years, immersed himself in as much of Keyport’s well-being as he could — whenever and wherever he was needed. "Art would never say no," said Keyport Councilman Wade Pedersen. "He was one of a kind."
As council liaison to public works, where Rooke served as superintendent for 36 years, Pedersen visited with Rooke every day at lunchtime to chat about borough business and learn a little himself. It was an eight-year tradition which Pedersen promised would not be broken.
"Art was a brilliant, amazing man. He was our best source of information," said Pedersen, whose comments were echoed by all.
As much as people think he may have deserved to, Rooke never stole the limelight from his borough. Just being there to take a back seat to Keyport’s triumphs was Rooke’s way — a way that will be sorely missed by all.
Known to perch himself unobtrusively in the back corner at every council meeting, Rooke would offer a few words of wisdom on many a subject and he’d nod, approvingly or disapprovingly as council members looked his way for guidance on occasion. "He’d give me the ‘high’ sign to let me know when I got something right, or he’d unassumingly nod his head if he wanted to call something to my attention," commented Pedersen.
"I’d look up and see Art’s face. It was always reassuring to have him there. His presence was so unassuming yet needed," Pedersen added. "I can’t imagine not seeing his face in the corner of that room, but I know he’ll always be there in a sense."
Keyport Mayor Kevin Graham didn’t hesitate to call Rooke an unsung hero to the borough. "Everybody listened when Art talked. "His suggestions were nothing short of brilliant," said Graham.
He added that anyone who knew Art Rooke would say that he had a quiet presence laden with a commitment to family and community. "Art was a man who loved his family and community with all his heart. People like that are irreplaceable," Graham concluded.
Rooke’s commitment to Keyport spanned many capacities. He was a member of the borough’s planning and zoning board, the Keyport Harbor and Shade Tree commissions, and director of the Clean Community Program of Keyport.
Rooke was also the recycling coordinator and deputy emergency management coordinator for Keyport.
In his spare time, if he had any, Rooke could be found at the Keyport waterfront, fishing or tending to waterfront business. He took a lot of pride in the Keyport waterfront and invested a lot of his own time in it, according to Pedersen.
As far as work was concerned, Rooke’s public works colleagues couldn’t speak highly enough about him.
"Art was a very knowledgeable man who taught me a lot," said George Sappah, a public works foreman and 22-year associate of Rooke’s. "This town was his life. He was a good guy and a fair person to work for. We’ll never be able to replace him." Sappah said that the public works department is attempting to move ahead without Rooke, but it is difficult. "We’ll keep things going somehow for Art," Sappah said. "He’d want us to do the best for him."
"There’s a saying that has gone around town for some time now," said Graham. "Art knew everything there was to know about anything under ground."
In fact, Pedersen’s last memory of Rooke was above ground at Santa Claus’ arrival in Keyport. "You couldn’t miss him sitting there blocking the road in his white pickup. He didn’t feel well, but he made it for one last event and didn’t utter one complaint. He was one of a kind — a face in our crowd that we’ll always miss," Pedersen said.
A communicant of Jesus the Lord Roman Catholic Church, Keyport, Rooke was a lifelong member of the Keyport Fire Department and Relief Association, as well as ex-captain of Liberty Hose Fire Company, Keyport.
Rooke is predeceased by his parents, David Levis and Lois Lambertson Rooke; a brother, David L. Rooke; and two sisters, Edna Stover and Dorothy Pelose.
He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Mary Shea Rooke of Keyport; two sons and daughters-in-law, David Arthur and Michelle Lynn Rooke, and Stephen Arthur and Kelly Lynn Rooke, all of Keyport; a sister, Barbara Brennan of Union Beach; five grandchildren, Allyson, Samantha and Stephen Rooke of Keyport; and Gabrielle and Matthew Rooke of Keyport; and 22 nieces and nephews.
Services were arranged by Bedle Funeral Home, Keyport. A Mass was celebrated at Jesus the Lord Roman Catholic Church. Interment was at Cedarwood Cemetery, Hazlet. Donations in Art Rooke’s memory may be made to Deborah Hospital Foundation, Red Bank Chapter, 28 Monroe Ave., Shrewsbury 07702.