Robert J. McCarney

ROBERT J. McCARNEYAge 75 of Sycamore, IL, formerly of Kaneville, IL, passed away at his home, early Wednesday morning, October 31, 2007. Surrounded by his family, their love and prayers, Bob fought the last battle of his three year fight against Leukemia and came peacefully to rest. BORN / EARLY YEARSHe was born December 20, 1931 in Engadine, MI, the son of W. Thomas and Frezena (Brockman) McCarney. Following graduation from high school, he began working as a short-order cook at a local restaurant. His favorite "dish" was his high school sweetheart, Gail Ann Letson. Their restaurant romance turned into matrimony on November 17, 1952 and soon afterward, Bob left the restaurant for better wages at the grocery store! Over the next several years he worked in the logging industry for his father-in-law and sailed the seas with the Merchant Marines for a time before going back to school to become a tool and die maker. Armed with some education and experience, he landed a job with Burgess Norton Manufacturing, Geneva, IL and began a twenty-five year career with the company. Through those years, Bob and Gail were blessed with eleven children who remember their dad as a wonderful father who loved unconditionally, listened sincerely and disciplined firmly with a certain "look" that every one of them understood instantly. Most of the time, Bob had a great sense of humor about almost everything in life except when his boys lost his tools or the Green Bay Packers lost to the Bears. Even in his depleted condition, Bob jumped for joy when the Packers recently defeated Denver in overtime. Whether for football, poker night, birthdays or any reason in any season, Bob was in his glory when his family was gathered at his home. Following his retirement in 1993, Bob and Gail were able to enjoy a good deal of traveling. They made two journeys to Italy with their dear friend and pastor, Monsignor William Clausen; traveled to Hawaii twice and took numerous other trips around the country to visit family and friends. Throughout his life, Bob’s faith was very important to him and he was a devoted member of St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Maple Park and the Knights of Columbus, Batavia. He was also a member of the St. Charles Moose Lodge and, in his younger years, enjoyed serving as an assistant scout master as well. SURVIVORS In addition to Gail, his wife of nearly fifty-five years Bob is survived byEleven children: Robert J. (Debbie) McCarney of Willis, TX;Michael (Grace) McCarney of Aurora, IL;Steven ("Tricia") McCarney of Fayetteville, GA;Cheryl McCarney of Sycamore, IL;Cynthia Schingen of DeKalb, IL;Charlene (Dan) Brown andNorman (Julie) McCarney , both of DeKalb;Kelvin "Kelly" (Cruz) McCarney of Sandwich, IL;Philip (Deanna) McCarney of Elburn, IL;Mark (Kelly Sue) McCarney of Aurora, IL and Mitchell (Amy) McCarney of Big Rock, IL;Thirty-three grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren;Three sisters:Opal McLear, Betty Patz andCarol (Glenn) Neeson, all of Manistique, MI.Many nieces and nephews and a host of good friends from far and wide. PRECEDED He joins now his parents, Four brothers:Leonard, Willard, James and Norman McCarneyOne sister, Mildred McCarney and Two grandsons: Christopher Ryan and Michael Jay McCarney who preceded him in death.MEMORIAL A memorial has been established in Robert’s name to benefit his church, hospice care and other favorite charities. Memorials checks may be made to the Robert McCarney Memorial and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, IL 60119. Tributes and memories may also be forwarded to the family at the same address or through his obituary at www.conleycare.com. For information call 1-800-8-CONLEY or 630-365-6414.

VISITATION / FUNERAL Visitation will be held Sunday, November 4, 2007 from 1pm to 4pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL. The rosary will prayed at 4pm and a liturgical wake service will follow at 4:30pm. His funeral mass will be celebrated Monday, November 5, 2007 at 10:30am at The Church of St. Mary of the Assumption, County Line Rd., Maple Park, IL. A brief visitation will precede the mass at church from 9:30am until 10:15am. The Rev. Fr. Joachim Tyrtania will officiate.

Interment will follow at St. Mary Cemetery in Maple Park, Il.