Thomas J. “Mac” McInerney

Thomas J. “Mac” McInerney

 

HORNELL – Thomas J. “Mac” McInerney, affectionately known as “Mate,” 79, of Hornell, NY, passed away Wednesday (July 1, 2026) surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Bath, NY, on September 11, 1946, he was the son of the late John J. McInerney, Sr., and Ruth M. Clark McInerney. On November 30, 1968, he married Julia T. Mark in Elmira, NY, who survives him after 57 years of marriage.

In addition to his parents, Tom was predeceased by his six siblings; Julia Almond, Dorothy Shank, Renee Haller, John “Jack” McInerney, Jr., Michael McInerney, Drusilla Halderman, his in-laws, Dr. James and Katharine Murray Mark, Anne Mark Longanecker, Maxine McInerney, Richard Dieter, James Mark, Lawrence Muscarella, and his niece, Julie Muscarella Dix.

A lifelong resident of Hornell, Tom was a graduate of Hornell Senior High School, Class of 1965. A member of the chorus, he participated in all-county competitions and enjoyed singing and performing in the many high school plays. In his younger years, he was employed at the Hornell JCPenney as a payroll clerk and department manager. Following graduation, he entered the United States Marine Corps, where he served and was honorably discharged as a Lance Corporal in 1968. During his service, he was stationed aboard the USS Shadwell (LSD) on the Mediterranean Sea.

Upon returning home, Tom worked at SKF, Inc., in Hornell and later began his apprenticeship and career working for the Erie Lackawanna, Conrail, and Norfolk Southern Railways, where he retired from in 2006 after 30 years of service as a supervisor and wreck master. He took pride in his work and his railroad career, and never tired of one of his favorite sounds, the whistle of the locomotives passing through town.

Tom was a member of Our Lady of the Valley Parish and was a communicant of St. Ignatius Loyola Church and St. Ann’s Church in Hornell. He was a life member of the Arthur H. Cunningham American Legion Post No. 440 in Hornell, the Hornell AMVETS Post 245, the Cpl. J.J. Mooney VFW Post No. 2250, and was one of the eight founding members of the Hornell Association.

Over the years, Tom enjoyed playing golf and looked forward to his annual golf trips with close friends. He was a football fan especially when it came to watching his sons and grandsons play. He was a NASCAR fan and enjoyed attending many NASCAR races in various locations. He enjoyed summers with his family on Keuka Lake. During his children’s younger years, he took part in the Hornell Little League as a coach and umpire.

Tom often shared stories of his time in the United States Marine Corps and took great pride in his country and service – Semper Fi! He was especially proud of his three sons and his grandsons who serve, carrying on a strong military tradition that meant so much to him. He was also proud of his Irish heritage and wanted to be sure his family always kept their Irish roots alive. Tom was known for his warm, humorous and witty personality, his many, many friendships, and his fondness for gathering with family and friends at “the office” (American Legion), where he was always up for a good laugh and a hug. Above all, his greatest joy was his home and his family.

Besides his wife, he is lovingly survived by his five children: Thomas J. (Jaime) McInerney II of Savannah, GA; Shawn M. (Kimberly) McInerney of Webster, NY; Erin K. McInerney of Hornell, NY; Meghann D. (Thomas) Khork of Hornell, NY; and Timothy P. (Kasey) McInerney of Pittsford, NY.

He is also survived by fifteen grandchildren: Melissa (Brandon) McInerney Kimball, Olivia McInerney, Rylan McInerney, Maia McInerney, Collin Rose, Caleb Rose, Shawn Rose, Natalie Rose, Brennan Khork, Liam Khork, Sheamus Khork, Maura Khork, Finley McInerney, Grace McInerney, and Julia McInerney; his five great-grandchildren: Aaron McInerney, Bryson Flaitz, Mila Flaitz, Bella McInerney, and Rovie Hutto; his sister, Maruth Dieter of Cumming, GA; his brother, Joseph William McInerney of Meadville, PA, his sisters-in-law, Roxanne Mark of Horseheads, NY, Bernadette McDonald of Woodbridge, VA, and Kathleen Muscarella of Penn Yan, NY; and his fur baby, Quinn, who he spoiled and loved very much; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Calling hours will be held from 4–7 p.m. on WEDNESDAY (July 8, 2026) at Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home, 285 Main Street, Hornell. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. THURSDAY (July 9, 2026) at St. Ann’s Church, 35 Erie Ave., Hornell, followed by committal prayers and interment with full military honors at St. Mary’s Cemetery in the Town of Fremont.

The United States flag and the Marine Corps flag will proudly fly at the Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home in recognitions of Tom’s military service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Hornell Alumni Association, P.O. Box 135, Hornell, NY 14843 or CareFirst, NY, 3805 Meads Creek Road, Painted Post, NY 14870. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home and church.

The family of Thomas J. McInerney expresses their heartfelt love and appreciation for the kindness and prayers extended during this difficult and sorrowful time.

The Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home is honored to assist Tom’s family with the arrangements.

Online condolences or remembrances of Tom are welcome at bishopdesanto.com or on the Facebook page of Bishop-Johnson & DeSanto Funeral Home.

 

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