Deceased July 18, 2020
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In Memory
Steve McInerney suffered a cardiac event and died on July 18.
Mac arrived at Amherst from San Francisco sporting bell-bottoms, a puka necklace and long red hair that was reminiscent of a 1960s peace protester and led to his good-natured moniker “Groovy.” He would go on to become a heroic U.S. Navy aviator, recognized with a Legion of Merit Medal and two Bronze Stars. He never once mentioned these honors.
Mac loved to read and learn and was gifted with a self-effacing wit. On a reunion panel, he explained his career journey this way: “Post-college, I was a bouncer at a bar, then solo backpacked through Europe, ending up on a kibbutz for six months … and that’s how I became a Navy pilot.” His piloting success stemmed from his keen athleticism, excellent eye-hand coordination and a measured penchant for risk.
Mac’s illustrious Navy career included flying both helicopters and jets. He led counter-electronics strikes in several conflicts but was proudest of coordinating the disaster response operations after the 2010 Haiti earthquake. He became a widely hailed manager of people, leading teams with intelligence and character. His efforts led Navy air wings to be more tolerant and inclusive. He was passionate about racial justice. Offered admiral rank in 2012, Mac declined in order to devote time to his two children. His greatest joy was seeing them grow up accomplished and kind. As a civilian and at the Navy’s request, he recently led a strategic-training alliance with Australia, outfitting EF18s for their electronic warfare platform.
Mac was in a classmate group that shared annual weekends, March Madness trash-talking, birthday emails and, most recently, weekly Zoom calls, where he checked in by calling himself the “luckiest SOB on the planet.”
Mac, we respectfully beg to differ. We were the lucky ones, for the privilege of having known you.
Tom Cronin ’82 and Robert “Bake” Shepard ’82