Richard A Mcinerney

Richard McInerney, age 84 of Coleman, passed away June 26, 2024 of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease surrounded by his family.  Richard was the son of the late Arthur and Bernardine (Black) McInerney.  Richard was born in Saginaw on January 21, 1940 and grew up in Saginaw along with his 2 brothers and one sister. He married Lucy Mattes on February 11, 1961.

Richard is survived by his daughter, Jeanette, Son Al (Kim), grandchildren Meagan and Matthew (Tess).  His sister, Gerri Socha; brother Dan; sisters-in-law Sue, Marie, Bonnie, Joan, Jean, Mary, Judy, Cathi; brothers-in-law Dale, Herb, Steve, Joe and Gerard, and a number of nieces and nephews.

Richard joined the United Mine Workers Local Union 12934 in October 1965.  He served on the organizing/merger committee with the United Steelworkers of America in 1972.  Throughout his career he served in a number of positions with the Local Union - Shop Steward, Bargaining Committee and President.  He had the distinction of serving as President of Local 12934 for 30 years (1976-2006).  He served as negotiator, mentor, counselor and friend to many in the community, state and union.  He organized the Joint Employee Assistance Program with Dow Corning at his Local Union and the Saginaw Valley Chapter of Labor-Management Consultants on alcoholism and served as vice president and president from 1979-1984.

Richard's community service activities included serving as a board member and officer with Michigan Association of United Way and Midland County United Way; Big Brothers and Big Sisters; member advisory committee on quality of work life (Delta College); member of Mid-Michigan Regional Health Care Community Advisory Board; Dow Chemical Company Community Advisory Committee and Local Emergency Food Pantry.  Richard organized the SHARE food program in Midland, Gladwin and Clare Counties and was a founding member of D.A.R.E in Midland County.

In 1989, he received the Armony Houghton Community Service Award from the Dow Corning Corporation, recognizing his commitment to Community Services.

Richard served as a delegate to the United Steelworkers Constitutional Conventions from 1974-2006, serving on constitution and resolutions committees.  He was appointed to casual staff for the USW in 1985-1987 and 2000.  He was instrumental in forming Steelworkers Organization of Active Retiree's for Midland, Saginaw and Bay Counties in 1985.

Served as a delegate to Greater Bay County AFL-CIO labor council, Trustee/Delegate Saginaw Labor Council and served as vice president for Midland/Gladwin AFL-CIO labor council 1977-1992 and president 1992-1999.  Re-elected president of Central Michigan AFL-CIO labor council in November 1992.

Richard was a member of the Midland Moose Lodge, Midland Democratic Party, Fourth Congressional District Party and past member of Michigan State Democratic Party State Central Committee and Precinct Delegate Midland County.

Richard was pre-deceased by his wife of 59 years, Lucy; brother, Don; sisters-in-law, Sharon Mattes and Margaret Shripka; brothers-in-law, Ken Socha, Alan Shripka and Bill Mattes and a nephew, Tommy Lynes.

Funeral services for Richard will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Monday July 1, 2024 from the Wilson MILLER Funeral Home with Fr. Matthew Federico officiating. Family will receive guests at the funeral home on Monday from 12 noon until the time of service. Memorial contribution may be directed to Coleman Athletic Booster Club.