ITHACA - Harold N. Rooker, 82, of 312 Etna Road, Ithaca passed away peacefully Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005, at his residence after a two month illness.

Mr. Rooker was born Nov. 9, 1922, at Port Byron, a son of the late Herbert L. and Bertha G. Payne Rooker. On Feb. 24, 1946, he was married to the former Doris Dennett of Auburn. Mr. and Mrs. Rooker have been residents of Etna Road since 1976, having previously resided in Locke. He worked on various dairy farms before being employed at Cornell University, Willard Strait Hall, retiring in 1990. He enjoyed crocheting animal and character figures, bowling and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Doris M. Rooker, at home; his sons, Donald D. (Betty) Rooker of Freeville, Paul N. (Karen L) Rooker of Lisle and Rodney H. (Penny) Rooker of Callahan, Fla.; a brother, Robert (Ida) Rooker of Auburn; 15 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; nieces; nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by a four-year-old daughter, Carolyn Lee Rooker.

At Harold's request, no formal services will be held. Burial will be private and at the convenience of his family.

Memorials, in lieu of flowers, are directed to Hospicare, 172 E. King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850.

Arrangements are entrusted to the Perkins Funeral Home, 55 West Main St., Dryden. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com.