Robert Arthur McNerney

Robert Arthur McNerney, 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, February 27, 2021 at Healthwin in South Bend, IN. He was born on April 22, 1926 in South Bend, to Joseph G. and Theresa M. (Nagy) McNerney, both of whom preceded him in death.

On June 10, 1950 at St. Patrick Church in South Bend, Robert married Dorothy Schmanske, who preceded him in death on August 21, 1999. In October 2002, Robert then married Diane Howard, who preceded him in death on June 21, 2018.

Robert is survived by his daughter, Catherine (James) McPhee of Novato, CA; son, Christopher (Beth) McNerney of Granger, IN; daughter-in-law, Susan McNerney of Napa, CA; seven grandchildren, Camille McPhee, Philip McPhee, Lauren McNerney, Ellen McNerney, Jenny Jesch, Sarah Littel, and Meghan McNerney; four great-grandchildren, Mallory, Elin, Evie, and Charlie; and sister, Theresa McNeile. Robert was preceded in death by his son, Robert R. McNerney; sisters, Kathryn Kois and Mary Stewart; and brothers, Joseph, William and Charles McNerney.

Robert was a lifelong resident of South Bend, IN, employed at Studebaker Corporation for 19 years as a design engineer. During his years at Studebaker, he was sent to work for Packard Corporation in Detroit, MI, for one year. After Studebaker closed, he worked for Uniroyal Corporation in sales and development for 27 years, retiring as sales manager for NaugaForm. He also served as vice president of sales at Paramount Plastics in Elkhart, IN.

Robert served his country honorably as a radio operator on Johnston Island in the United States Army Air Force and, later, the United States Air Force during World War II and was called up again during the Korean War. He was a member of the American Legion #303; Masonic Lodge #745 F&AM; VFW #1167; and Lions Club International. He enjoyed serving on the board of the Four Lakes Country Club. He also helped transport children with medical needs to Shriners Hospital for Children in Chicago. Robert was a faithful member of St. Thérèse, Little Flower Catholic Church in South Bend.

Robert was an avid golfer and enjoyed playing with his sons and grandchildren. He also had hobbies in airplane modeling and fishing.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1:00pm on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at St. Thérèse, Little Flower Catholic Church, 54191 N. Ironwood Road, South Bend, IN. Graveside services and inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park in Granger, IN. Friends may visit with the family from 11:00am-12:30pm, prior to Mass, on Saturday at Palmer Funeral Home—Hickey Chapel, 17131 Cleveland Road, South Bend, IN, where a Masonic service will be held at 11:00am.

Contributions in memory of Robert may be donated to Alzheimer’s & Dementia Services of Northern Indiana, 922 E. Colfax Avenue, South Bend, IN 46617; or American Heart Association (Midwest Affiliate), 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

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