The North Carolina community is reeling from the shock of the untimely passing of Jack Roney, a beloved former swimmer and assistant coach at North Carolina State University (NC State). Roney, who was only 39 years old, passed away on July 5, mere days after he celebrated his 15th wedding anniversary with his wife, Maresa.
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Roney, who originally hailed from West Palm Beach, Florida, moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he made a significant impact both in swimming and in coaching. A standout at NC State, he set the school record for the 200-yard breaststroke, a title he held from 2008 until 2011. After his competitive swimming career, Roney transitioned into coaching, dedicating himself to nurturing the next generation of swimmers.
Tributes have poured in since the announcement of his death. The NC State Swimming & Diving team expressed their condolences in a heartfelt statement released on social media, reflecting on the profound impact Roney had on the programme and the broader community. “We mourn the passing of former assistant coach and Wolfpack alumnus Jack Roney,” the statement read, extending thoughts and prayers to the Roney family during this challenging time.
Family played a central role in Roney’s life. He was a devoted father to five children, ranging in age from three to eleven. According to his obituary, Roney fully embraced fatherhood, often spotted cheering for his children at various sporting events and school activities. He was described as someone who led life with energy and purpose, frequently attending early morning CrossFit classes and volunteering at Hope Community Church.
“Above everything else, Jack loved his family,” the obituary noted. “Being a husband and father was his greatest joy and highest calling.” This sentiment resonated strongly with those who knew him, as he consistently prioritised the well-being and happiness of his loved ones.
Despite the joy that Roney brought to those around him, his sudden passing has left an immense void. While the cause of his death remains private, it has been described as “tragic and unexpected.” As the community grapples with the loss, friends and family have come together to establish a GoFundMe campaign to support Maresa and their children during this difficult time.
The message on the fundraising platform painted a vivid picture of Roney as a dedicated individual: “Jack was a true Wolfpacker, a man of Christ, and a beloved father, friend, and husband.” It further emphasised that his legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the love he shared with his family and community.
Roney’s funeral services are scheduled for July 17 and 18 in Raleigh, providing an opportunity for friends, family, and members of the community to come together to honour his memory and celebrate the life he led. As the community mourns the loss of this vibrant soul, it stands united in remembering the joy, enthusiasm, and love that Jack Roney brought into the lives of so many.