Russell "Mac" McInerney

December 10, 1933 - June 19, 2016

Russell "Mac" McInerney, 82 of Crystal Falls, passed away on Sunday, June 19, 2016 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 10, 1933 in Lowell, Mass, son of the late Patrick and Helen (Sullivan) McInerney. He attended St. Patrick's Grammar School, graduating from Lowell High School. Upon graduating from high school he enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean War in the early 50's, where at one time he spent 9 months on the aircraft carrier, Midway(CV 41). The ship left Norfolk, Virginia for the China Sea in December of 1954, and was to wide to go through the Panama Canal, so it went by way of South Africa and into the Indian Ocean with stops in Malays, Hong Kong, Cape Town South Africa, the Philippines and Japan. The ship spent 8 months in the China Sea, then returned home to Bremerton, Washington. While in the service he was the recipient of, 1 Navy Good Conduct Medal, the China Service Medal, 4 Air Force Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal w/ 4 Bronze Service Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Medal, the Outstanding Unit Award Ribbon, the Marksman Ribbon, and the Longevity Ribbon. Mac was into sports his entire life. In his early days at St. Patrick he played baseball and basketball. In his high school years he played football and baseball. He even played Semi-Pro Football for the Shamrock's of Lowell. He was an avid fan of the Patriots, Red Sox, Bruin's and Celtic's. Mac married Jean Thorpe on April 19, 1958 on the Air Force base in Louisiana, and together they celebrated their 58th Wedding Anniversary. He was a faithful member of Guardian Angels Catholic Church where he served as an usher and gave communion to residents in the Iron County Medical Care Facility. He was also a member of the Tuft's- Rondon VFW Post #2891, and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. Mac is survived by his loving wife, Jean McInerney of Crystal Falls; 2 nieces Helen Yensel of Marlton, New Jersey, and Dawn Marie Hancock of Springdale, Arkansas; 3 nephews, Donald McCloskey of Philadelphia, PA, Dennis McCloskey of Philadelphia, PA, and Patrick McInerney of House Springs, MO Mac was preceded in death by his son, Lt. James McInerney, of the US Navy, and a graduate of the Naval Academy, and a Naval Pilot; and brothers and sisters, Ernest and Donald McInerney, Shirley McCloskey and Pat Charette. The visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm at the funeral home. Fr. Raymond Valerio will officiate. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery. The Eastside Veterans Council will conduct Full Military Honors. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in his memory. Condolences to the family of Russell "Mac" McInerney may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the funeral arrangements.