Jack Roney, a former NC State swimmer and assistant coach, died on July 5
Credit: NC State Swimming & Diving/X
NEED TO KNOW
- A North Carolina community is mourning the loss of a former college swimmer and coach who died “tragically and unexpectedly”
- Jack Roney, a former NC State swimmer and assistant coach, died at age 39 on July 5
- He was a father to five children and had just celebrated his 15th wedding anniversary
A North Carolina community is mourning the loss of a former college swimmer and coach who died “tragically and unexpectedly.”
The News and Observer and WRAL reported that Jack Roney, a former NC State swimmer and assistant coach, died at age 39 on July 5, just days after his 15th wedding anniversary.
“We mourn the passing of former assistant coach and Wolfpack alumnus Jack Roney,” NC State Swimming & Diving wrote in a statement shared on social media. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roney family during this difficult time. His impact on our program and community will be remembered.”
We mourn the passing of former assistant coach and Wolfpack alumnus Jack Roney. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Roney family during this difficult time. His impact on our program and community will be remembered. pic.twitter.com/Xdomv3u2hT
— NC State Swimming & Diving (@packswimdive) July 6, 2026
An obituary for Roney — who was born in West Palm Beach, Fla., and later moved to Charlotte, N.C. — states that he broke the school’s 200-yard breaststroke record, holding it from 2008 to 2011, before becoming an assistant coach.
While at NC State, he met his wife, Maresa, who also swam for the Wolfpack. The couple welcomed five children, now ages 3 to 11, and he eventually went into software sales.
“Jack lived life with enthusiasm and purpose. He loved his 5 a.m. CrossFit class at Triangle CrossFit, volunteered at Hope Community Church, served as the swim meet starter for the Hampton Ridge Swim Team, and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer on his children at their games, meets, performances and activities,” his obituary states.
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“Above everything else, Jack loved his family,” the obituary continued. “Being a husband and father was his greatest joy and highest calling. Every decision he made and every goal he pursued was rooted in providing for, encouraging, and loving his family.”
Roney’s obituary states that he “passed away tragically and unexpectedly.” A cause of death has not been made public.
Following his death, Roney’s friends and family organized a GoFundMe to support his family.
“Just days after celebrating their 15th wedding anniversary, Maresa lost her husband, Jack Roney,” the fundraiser message states. “Jack was a true Wolfpacker, a man of Christ, and a beloved father, friend, and husband. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched and the love he shared with his family and community.”
Funeral services are scheduled for July 17 and 18 in Raleigh, N.C.
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