Jacob "Jake" De Rooy

Jacob “Jake” De Rooy

Jacob De Rooy, 70, of Mechanicsburg and formerly of Hershey passed on Friday, November 11, 2011 at Bethany Village with his wife by his side.

Jake was born in 1941 in Boston, Massachusetts and spent most of his childhood in Nutley, New Jersey.  He attended Rutgers University, which awarded him with his doctorate degree in 1969.  Jake began his career as an economics professor at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, and then spent 33 years on the faculty of Penn State Harrisburg, where he was honored with professor emeritus status upon his retirement in 2008. In addition to his academic publications, Jake authored a book for the general public in 1995, entitled Economic Literacy: What Everyone Needs to Know about Money & Markets .

Jake was a life-long student of Christian Science and was active in his local church for many years.  He also enjoyed his involvement with the public speaking organization Toastmasters International.

Jake’s survivors include his loving wife of 44 years, Martha C. De Rooy; and his daughter, Catherine Law, along with her husband Philip and their son Curtis, of London, England. The family sends their most heartfelt thanks to everyone at Bethany Village who so lovingly cared for Jake during his residence there.

All are welcome to join Jake’s family for a celebration of his life on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 2:00 at Oak Terrace in Bethany Village West , 5225 Wilson Lane, Mechanicsburg.  Jake’s interment will be private and at the convenience of the family.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Humane Society of Harrisburg Area, 7790 Grayson Road, Harrisburg, PA, 17111.

Jake’s family has entrusted his care to Myers–Buhrig Funeral Home and Crematory , (717) 766-3421, www.Myers-Buhrig.com .

Please share your memories and photos of Jake and offer your condolences at www.SharingSpecialMemories.com or www.Myers-Buhrig.com .