Michael Rooney, the father of Brampton Mayor Linda Jeffrey, has died at the age of 83.

Jaskaran Singh Sandhu, senior adviser to the mayor, confirmed the “unfortunate news” that Rooney died yesterday (Jan. 11) at Brampton Civic Hospital.

An obituary sent by city staff says Rooney, who was married and also had grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was a member of the Royal Canadian Air Force Central Band in Ottawa from 1961 to 1968. He was also a teacher for 18 years with the Toronto Catholic District School Board.

A private interment will be held in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto. A celebration of his life will be held on Jan. 21 at 2 p.m. at North Bramalea United Church, 363 Howden Blvd. Donations to the William Osler Health System Foundation would be appreciated by the family.