Robert M. McNerney

Robert M. McNerney, 82, of Stafford Springs, CT, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, September 8, 2024, of natural causes. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend. Known as Poppy by his adoring grandchildren, Bob, or Rob, as he was affectionately called by his family, was born in Fountain Hill, PA, in 1942, son of the late Robert F. McNerney Jr. and Mary A. (Birmingham). Bob graduated from North High School, Worcester, MA, served our country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era, went on to earn his degree in 1972 from the University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT, and spent his career working as an industrial designer in the toy industry. Bob was a skilled craftsman with many avocations. He helped put himself through college by framing houses in the summer, then went on to continue honing and sharing this gift of home renovations and remodeling designs throughout his life. He spoke fondly of his time in Germany where he spent his first year of marriage (which he often referred to this as their, “Extended Honeymoon”) serving as a cook in the U.S. Army. Bob loved to cook, and it was a skill that delighted his family and friends whom he loved to cook for. His favorite offering was his award-winning chili, earning 3rd, then 1st place in the Big E chili cook off. If you attended one of our extended-family-picnics, you have tasted this chili! He could really appreciate good food! Bob’s pottery adorns the shelves and makes cameos in the cupboards of family and friends. He lovingly shared in caring for his mother during her final years, and quickly became good friends with a Stafford couple, after beginning as a companion and caregiver for them. Bob marveled in the smallest details of life, loved vacationing with family annually in Humarock, MA, and was both an avid reader and golf spectator. In July of 2022, Bob earned, and humbly accepted, the Melvin Jones Fellow Award – one of the highest honors – for his over-30 years of service with the Stafford Lions Club. Most of all, Bob was a gentle soul with a peaceful presence. He was a man of few, but meaningful, words. An intelligent and thoughtful voice of balanced reason. He will be greatly missed. Bob is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Paula E. (Anders) McNerney, of Stafford, CT, three children, Paul McNerney and his wife Krystal, of Stafford, CT, Brendan McNerney and his wife Kimberly, of Ellington, CT, and Erin McNerney Smith and her husband Kenneth, of Adamstown, MD, six grandchildren, Penelope, Rainier, Olive, Addyson, Wyatt, and Cassidy, two sisters, Jean McNerney, of Worcester, MA, and Margaret “Midge” Yacavace and her husband David of Southbridge, MA, sister-in-law Birgit (Gustafson) McNerney, Worcester, MA, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Stephen McNerney, of Auburn, MA, and sister, Katherine McNerney Nolan, of Ware, MA. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 5, 2024 from 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM at Introvigne Funeral Home, Inc., 51 East Main St., Stafford Springs, CT. Military Honors will take place at the conclusion of the visiting hours, followed by a luncheon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests you consider making a donation to the Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/0773d276. Memorial donations may be made in Robert’s name to the Stafford Lions Club, P.O. Box 143, Stafford Springs, CT 06076. To leave a condolence online for the family, please visit: www.introvignefuneralhome.com