Rooney wanted to be buried either alongside his Hollywood
peers or in a veterans' cemetery and not at a family plot,
Michael Augustine, the conservator of Rooney's estate, told the
court. Rooney served as an entertainer in World War Two.
A judge on Tuesday ordered Rooney's remains to be held at a
mortuary after Augustine alleged that Rooney's wife, Janice, had
attempted to have them removed.
Attorneys for Janice Rooney said she believed Rooney wanted to
be buried in a plot he owned in Westlake Village, California,
next to his mother.
Rooney, who had not lived with his wife since 2012, disinherited
his wife and eight children in his will. He left behind an
estate of only $18,000 to a stepson who had been his primary
caregiver.
The star of the "Andy Hardy" movies as a teen during the Great
Depression will be buried in a private funeral, but Rooney's
stepson Christopher Aber and Aber's wife will not be able to
attend the ceremony, according to the agreement.
Rooney sued Aber in 2011, alleging elder abuse and mismanagement
of his finances.
The diminutive actor known for his wise-cracking style wed eight
times, including to actress Ava Gardner.
(Reporting by Eric Kelsey; editing by Ken Wills)
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