Michael John McInerney's Obituary
Michael John ("Mike") McInerney passed away on Sunday, February 17, 2013 at the youthful age of 69, while watching TV at his home in Catalina, Arizona. A desert memorial service was held for family and neighbors, with Pastor Virgil presiding. Mike is survived by his three children, Erin, Kevin and Michele, and grandchildren Ayla, Nolan Michael and Zachary. Mike's brother and sister, and his cousin Cynthia also attended. Mike was born in Westport, Connecticut. His parents were John Francis McInerney, a rifle sharp-shooter in the U.S Army, and Janet Walker Keyworth, student and homemaker. At age 13, Mike moved with his parents to the Thornydale area of Tucson, where Mike's Little League achievements earned him an early media nickname "Home Run King." At Marana junior-high and high schools, he excelled in competitive sports, lettering all four years in Football, Basketball and Baseball, and senior-year in Track. Mike also joined the school band as bass drummer, and served as President of his senior class. After briefly attending the University of Arizona, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving on the U.S.S. Tracer submarine, and in the Navy band. Mike was awarded four written commendations for excellence, including one for attaining outstanding performance in every category of the service-wide physical fitness program. Mike's early civilian life was spent in southern California, where he found success as a real estate broker, eventually opening his own office called Thousand Oaks Realty. Mike was especially skilled at motivating others and obtaining listings. After a lucrative shopping center sale, Mike relocated to upstate New York, and became a bloodline broker for thoroughbreds. In the 1990s, Mike started Mike's Bikes, a bike- and inline skate-rental business in the Mission Beach area of San Diego. During this period, Mike sponsored an award-winning inline skate team, winning several national trophies. When his mom was convalescing from surgery, Mike moved back to Thousand Oaks to care for her. Mike eventually returned to the Catalina area, where his friendliness and curiosity made him something of a local character. At spots like Bubb's Grub and Sunny Side Up Caf , Mike charmed patrons and serving staff with his cheerfulness and wit. He volunteered at the Food Bank, and enjoyed renovating his residence and observing nature. Mike's warm spirit and engaging sense of humor will be much missed by his family and friends. Arrangements by EVERGREEN MORTUARY & CEMETERY.
What’s your fondest memory of Michael?
What’s a lesson you learned from Michael?
Share a story where Michael's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Michael you’ll never forget.
How did Michael make you smile?