In Memoriam: Robert W. Kerney (1920-2010)

Longtime Chula Vista Genealogical Society member Robert W. Kerney passed away on 22 May 2010.

His obituary was published in the 25 May 2010 edition of the San Diego Union-Tribune newspaper (online here). The obituary reads:


ROBERT W. KERNEY Visit Guest Book

KERNEY, ROBERT W.

Robert W. Kerney, 89, was born September 16, 1920 in Chicago, Illinois. He died May 22, 2010. He is survived by his sons Newton with his wife Julie and his grandchildren Joshua, Benjamin, Carlyn of Cotati, CA; Michael with his wife Jeri and his grandchildren Joseph and Kevin of Simi Valley, CA; David with his wife Catherine, and his grandchildren Regan, Shaun, Kyle, and Keith of Escondido, CA; and a daughter Pamela of Bozrah, CT. He was preceded in death by his wives Veretta in 1963, and Marilou in 2003; and a daughter Marjorie.

He became an Eagle Scout at the age of 14. Two sons and two grandsons were also Eagle Scouts.
He graduated from Illinois Institute of Technology with a degree in Fire Protection Engineering. He went into the Navy as an Ensign in World War II. After the war, he returned to IIT and received a BS and MS in Electronic Engineering. He returned to active duty during the Korean War and retired in 1968 as a Commander. He then went to work as a civilian in the Naval Ordinance Systems Support Office, Pacific. He retired again in 1982 as a GS-14.

He was Exalted Ruler of Chula Vista Elks Lodge 2011, District Chairman of Youth Activities, State Scholarship Chairman of the California-Hawaii Elks Association for four years; President, Chula Vista Chapter of the Retired Federal Employees for three years; 1st Vice-President, Sweetwater Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America; member of the Military Order of World Wars, Tau Beta Phi (Engineering Honor Society), Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and the Navy Mutual Aid Association. He was a Life member of the Chula Vista Elks Lodge No. 2011, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, the Military Officers Association of America, the National Defense Industrial Association, and the Marines Memorial Club.

Services will be held at the main chapel at Glen Abbey Mortuary on Friday, May 28th, at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Chula Vista Elks Lodge- Local Youth and Charitable Activities (LYCA)- 901 Elks Lane, Chula Vista, CA 91910.