The Jack Roney Memorial Pavilion at Lake Johnson Pool

Jack Roney’s life was rooted in faith, family, swimming, NC State, and service to others. He came to Raleigh as an accomplished swimmer and student-athlete at NC State, where he met his wife, Maresa, a fellow member of the Wolfpack swimming team. He later returned to the program as Director of Operations and a volunteer assistant coach, sharing his love of the sport while mentoring the next generation of swimmers. 

Jack brought extraordinary enthusiasm and purpose to everything he did. He coached young athletes, volunteered in his church and community, supported his children in all their activities, and remained a devoted Wolfpack fan throughout his life. Above all, he was a loving husband and father whose five children were his greatest joy. 

Following Jack’s sudden and tragic passing at only 39 years old, Maresa expressed a heartfelt desire for his legacy to live on. She wants their children to grow up knowing how deeply their father was loved, how much he meant to the NC State swimming community, and how fully he devoted himself to his family, his friends, and the people around him.

The Jack Roney Memorial Pavilion at the new Lake Johnson Pool will create a permanent and visible tribute to that legacy. Located beside a pool that will serve swimmers, families, and the greater Raleigh community for generations, the pavilion will provide a place for athletes to gather, families to connect, and members of the swimming community to remember a man who gave so much of himself to others.

A permanent memorial plaque will share Jack’s story and reflect the things he valued most: his love for Maresa and their children, his loyalty to NC State, his passion for swimming, and his commitment to encouraging and serving others. For his children, it will stand as a lasting reminder of the impact their father made. For those who knew Jack, it will be a place to remember his energy, generosity, friendship, and unmistakable Wolfpack spirit.

Donations to this campaign will help fund the pavilion structure, memorial plaque, stonework, lettering, installation, and related project expenses. Any support, whether from teammates, coaches, alumni, friends, colleagues, or members of the wider community, will help create a tribute worthy of the life Jack lived and the many people he inspired.

Together, we can ensure that Jack’s name, story, and love for swimming and NC State remain a permanent part of the community he cherished.

May this pavilion remind everyone who gathers beneath it to live with joy, serve others generously, love their families deeply, and always look out for one another.