Robert McNerney

Biography

ROBERT "BOB" MCNERNEY

1954-2010

Robert McNerney was born in South Bend, Indiana on August 15, 1954, the son of Dorothy and Robert.  He grew up in a happy family as the beloved brother of two siblings—Cathy and Christopher.  He received his B.A. in Business from Ball State University, Indiana in 1976 and began his career in the electrical business in Chicago where he met his future wife, Susan.

When the opportunity arose to start his own business, Robert and Susan moved out to California in 1981.  That same year they were married and began their dream of creating a life and family together.

In the years that followed, Robert and Susan had three beautiful daughters – Lauren, Ellen and Jennifer. Robert continued to cultivate his business and dedicate much of his life to providing for his family.

Robert worked in the electrical industry for 29 years and was respected as a man of great integrity, generosity and intelligence. His company, ElectriGroup, was a testament to his hard work and character as were his many business friends and colleagues. He was a member of the Ben Franklin Electric Club and the NEMRA Chapter President for Northern California as well as a board member for the National NEMRA Group. He represented several electrical manufacturers on the Rep Advisory Counsel for many years.

Robert loved to spend time with colleagues and friends on the golf course.  It was a sport he played from a young age, and one he referred to as a gentleman’s sport.  Golf provided him an opportunity to create relationships and connect with people on another level from his work.  Holes-in-one at Stanford Golf Club and Old Head Golf Course in Ireland were among his most cherished accomplishments.

Unlike many others, Robert’s creative life did not end outside of the workplace. Robert was a true craftsman, a do-it-yourself person.  When something inspired his interest, he would fully immerse himself in it, accomplishing tasks to near perfection. Whether it was building his own picket fence or planting a garden of succulents, everything he did he saw as an opportunity for learning.

One of Robert’s greatest passions and gifts was cooking.  He was an incredible chef and could turn the simplest ingredients into a meal fit for a king.  The time spent in his kitchen was a direct expression of his love and gratitude for his family and friends.

Living in the Napa Valley, Robert also had an appreciation and fascination for wine.  In 1999, Robert and Susan purchased property on the East side of Napa and started a small family vineyard which now produces an award-winning wine, Le Chanceux.

On July 21, 2010 Robert passed away after a trial with cancer that revealed his strength, his character, and his courage.  The dream Robert had when he moved out to California is now realized; it can be seen in the beautiful home he created, the vineyard he planted, the business he built, and the family and friends who cherish him.  Robert was a man of faith, integrity, and compassion. He was an outstanding husband, father, brother, son, friend and person. He will live forever in our hearts.

He is survived by his wife Susan of 29 years, daughters Lauren, Ellen and Jennifer, father Robert McNerney, sister Cathy McPhee (James),  and brother Chris McNerney (Beth) and their children all of South Bend, Indiana.

Family and friends are invited to mass in remembrance of Robert’s life on Tuesday, July 27 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Apollinaris Church in Napa at 3700 Lassen St.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to UCSF, The Helen Diller Cancer Center, 1600 Divisidero St., San Francisco, CA 94115 for gastrointestinal oncology research.  Words of sympathy may be shared with the family on-line at WWW.TULOCAYCEMETERY.ORG.