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Columbia, Maryland

Robert McNELIS Obituary

MCNELIS , Robert J. On December 19, 2012, ROBERT J. McNELIS; beloved husband of Maria Elena McNelis (nee Mohen); loving father of Robert McNelis, Jr. and wife Amy, Susan Morrison and husband Wayne and James McNelis and wife Jennifer Jean; cherished grandfather of Bridget, Shannon, Nathan, Alexandra, Joseph, Emma, Sophia, Connor and Parker; dear brother of John McNelis and wife Shirley and the late Francis McNelis and wife Helen; dear brother-in-law of Eugene Mohen and wife Cindy, Leo Mohen and wife Linda and Ann Spagnuolo and husband Frank.
Family will receive friends on Wednesday, December 26th and Thursday, December 27th from 2-4 & 7-9PM at WITZKE FUNERAL HOMES, INC.; 5555 Twin Knolls Road; Columbia, MD 21045. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM, Friday, December 28th at St. John's the Evangelist Catholic Church at Wildelake Interfaith Center. Interment in St. Mary's Cemetery; Hanover Township, PA at 12 PM on Saturday, December 29th. For those desiring, memorial donations may be made to Esophageal Cancer Action Network; P.O. Box 243; Stevenson, Maryland 21153 or Little Sisters of the Poor; 601 Maiden Choice Lane; Catonsville, MD 21228.

Published by Baltimore Sun on Dec. 22, 2012.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for Robert McNELIS

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Bob/Pops,
It is hard to put into words the feelings that are going through my heart. You were a wonderful father-in-law and grandfather. I loved our late night card and domino games, and your patience when teaching us how to play Bridge. Anytime I need to be reminded of your laughter I will think of the phrase, "My god, will this bidding ever end!" I will miss cooking for you and trying ways to get you to eat things you vowed never to eat. The boys loved going on the train with “Pops” and going into the city. They also loved riding on Thomas with Nana & Pops. There is a deep hole in our hearts, but I know over time as we think about the wonderful memories we shared, it will begin to fill that hole. We love you and miss you!
JJ, Connor & Parker

JJ McNelis

January 4, 2013

It was truly an honor to know Bob. Either from a story told by Maria or a lucky bracket handed in for March Madness, it was clear that Bob was a special person. We are all better people for having come in contact with Bob McNelis. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McNelis family.

Sean Alkire

January 2, 2013

Heaven has gained a wonderful soul. Bob was one of the kindest men I had the pleasure of knowing. Bob and Maria had a marriage that only you find in fairytale stories but theirs was real. I know he will be missed tremendously by his family but they have so many wonderful memories that they will hold in their hearts forever.

Gay Cornwell

January 2, 2013

My daughter designed and made a coaster (potholder) for Bob that he unfortunately didn't get a chance to see... it was blue, pink, green and white... Here is a copy of her letter to Bob...
Mr. Bob,
I made this coaster for you! Pink represents love. Blue represents freedom. White represents purity. Also, green represents hospitality. I hope you enjoy my loving gift to you! I love you! See you soon and feel better soon (with 18 exclamation points).
Love, Olivia Rose
Our thoughts and prayers are with you! :)

Quantrell Neighbor

December 29, 2012

I WAS A CLASSMATE OF ROBERT,AND MY DEEPEST AND SINCERE CONDELENCE TO HIS FAMILY AND LOVED ONES. GOD BLESS. JIM OBRIEN 1958 GAR CLASS . HE WAS A GENLEMAN AND WILL BE MISS,I WILL EMAIL OTHER CLASSMATES. GOB BLESS YOUI ALL

December 28, 2012

My deepest sympathy to the McNelis family. With "mem'ries of our days in high school". (G.A.R/58)

Bill Traynham

December 28, 2012

Aunt Maria & Family,
I loved Uncle Bob so much and always felt so close. I have such fond memories of when I was a little boy all the way up to our visits together in NJ and our trips to Washington and Baltimore Zoo when Jon was little. I will miss him so much, especially our venting between emails. His love for model railroading was a gift he gave and I promise to carry it on! Uncle Bob was such a great man and you can see how his legacy will live on thru his wonderful sons and daughter, and all his grandchildren. In am sure that Uncle Bob is in heaven feeling touched as to how many lives he has touched and influenced. Each and every one of our lives has been truly blessed because of Uncle Bob. I will always keep Uncle Bob in my prayers and memories.
Love, Patrick
I am so grateful for all the time over the years to get to know Uncle Bob and share good times together. There was no one (along with his brother) that I thoroughly enjoyed cooking for more than Uncle Bob. The joy of having a meal together was revealed on his face.
Love, Danette

December 28, 2012

Mac was a valued leader and mentor for generations of young technical folks at NSA. His inquisitiveness, insight, and great spirit made working with him a daily pleasure. I particularly remember his hearty laugh when something caught his fancy. I feel truly lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Mac during the early part of my career, and was blessed to be one of the youngsters that he took under his wing. My deepest sympathy goes out to the McNelis family.

Robert Meushaw

December 27, 2012

Carol and I are very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Tom and Carol Brzezinski

December 27, 2012

Dear Maria and Family,
While no words of ours can ease your loss, please know that we are grieving with you and thinking of you constantly. May the love of family and friends comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
God Bless....

Mary & George Evert

December 27, 2012

Maria,
Amy and I are extremely sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and Bob. We miss him greatly. We will contact you when we return.

Jim and Amy McConnell

December 27, 2012

There are a few people in life that I look up to as role models for how to live a balanced technical, family and religious life --- Mac is one of them. I have valued his friendship and many fruitful discussions for close to 20 years, having shared an office next door to his own. He was a visionary who could ask just the right questions to launch his coworkers on paths of discovery and accomplishment. We shared many of the same values, from work to trust in God. I am sure that he is looking down from heaven awaiting the day when we will all be together again.

Bill Legato

December 27, 2012

We express our sincerest sympathy to all the McNelis family. We will pray for God to give you peace and strength during this difficult time.
All our love...

The Gull Family

December 26, 2012

Dear Maria,
I was sorry to hear of Bob's passing. As neighbors you were both a blessing. Even though I hadn't seen you for so long, please know I have thought of you often over the years. I will keep you in my prayers at this difficult time.

Mary McAdoo

December 26, 2012

The McNelis Family,

In your grief and loss, know that you are always remembered. May the love of those around you bring comfort to you at this time.

Katie O'Hanlon

December 26, 2012

Aunt Maria, Bob, Susan and Jimmy,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Uncle Bob was a great dad, husband and uncle. I think of him most every day and always remember the advice he gave me during the early days of my career. We will always hold him and these memories in our thoughts. I know Uncle Bob is in Heaven looking after you, and all of us. He will be missed.

With lots of Love, Kevin, Renee and Ian McNelis

Kevin McNelis

December 26, 2012

Aunt Maria, Bob, Susan and Jimmy,

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Uncle Bob was a great dad, husband and uncle. I think of him most every day and always remember the advice he gave me during the early days of my career. We will always hold him and these memories in our thoughts. I know Uncle Bob is in Heaven looking after you, and all of us. He will be missed.

With lots of Love, Kevin, Renee and Ian McNelis

Kevin McNelis

December 26, 2012

We are called to be Christ's presence in the world. Bob, you filled this calling admirably. Your love for your family, your meticulous attention to detail and the dignity with which you lived your life are inspiring. I am a better husband and father because of you. Thank you.

Wayne Morrison

December 26, 2012

Maria, We are so very sorry.....we love you! Ray and Barb

December 25, 2012

A beloved brother and a dear friend. He embraced life and lived it well. A good and decent man, he will always be in our memories and prayers. He will be missed by all he knew and be in our hearts forever.
With love, John

John McNelis

December 25, 2012

A brother who I loved dearly. I will always miss being with him and the fun and memories we shared. He will always be with us. He left us too soon. He will never be forgotten.
Much love, Shirley

Shirley McNelis

December 25, 2012

Dad –
You were an amazing man and your passing came too soon. I miss you so much, but I gain comfort in knowing that your spirit lives on in my children. Connor's steadfast attention to detail and Parker's quiet nature are from you. From now on every time I miss you, all I have to do is look at my kids and I'll know you're still here. I love you.

Jim

December 24, 2012

Aunt Maria & family,
When we think about Uncle Bob we all remember his laugh and smile. Our family always enjoyed his company. He will be missed and never forgotten in our memories.

Mike & Donna McNelis & Family

December 24, 2012

Maria and family, Bob had such a great sense of humor. Love seeing you both in Florida. God bless you and your family. Maria, you and your family are in our prayers and thoughts. Love, Carolyn and Peter Brunt

Carolyn Brunt

December 24, 2012

Maria,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Bob and Susan Cline

Susan Cline

December 23, 2012

Maria and Family, It was our privilege to have met Bob and we are so sad we will not have the opportunity to spend more time with him. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Love, George and Betty Thomas

December 23, 2012

Thanks to Patrick our family was reunited with Bob, it has been a delight to be able to learn so much about my family, the Dirners, and to share his enthusian about them.My family and I will miss him, Margaret Ostrosky

December 23, 2012

To my other "Big Brother" who has been a role model to me for more than 45 years . . . having you in my life has made me a better husband, father, man, and a better person . . . I will miss you every day and love you forever. Geno

Gene Mohen

December 23, 2012

My heart is filled with the fondest memories of a wonderful brother, proud parent, loving grandfather, and very special uncle and godfather. . . family time together, Vegas trips, "Canasta" games, Myrtle Beach holidays, camping at Fort Wilderness, relaxing on the lanai, Abe's hotdogs, Christmas in Florida, site-seeing in DC, enjoying the train displays, just loving being together . . . you will be missed so very much.
Cindy

Cindy Mohen

December 23, 2012

Dear Pops,
I will always remember the great stories you shared with me. I miss you and will never forget you. I love you so much and will forever. I know you are in a better place and I will see you again someday.

Sophia Morrison

December 22, 2012

Dear Pops,
I love you and miss you so much. You were a great grandpa to me. I always enjoyed it when you told me about how the Orioles and the Redskins were doing. Thanks for sharing stories about your life with me. Even though I miss you, I know you are watching over me in a better place now.
-Emma

Emma Morrison

December 22, 2012

The Little Sisters of the Poor at St. Martin's Home wish to express our deepest sympathy to all the family. Be assured of our prayers.

Little Sisters of the Poor

December 22, 2012

Maria,
Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of the love of your life, the kindest man I ever knew, Bob. Love always, Jill, Joel, Lexi, and Ryan Hack

December 22, 2012

Bob and Maria were one of the very first couples we got to know well when we all came to Maryland almost fifty years ago. It took us no time to realize you were special, a belief we've retained to this day. There should be more like you, Bob. You're going to be missed.

Karen and Mike Morrell

December 22, 2012

Pops, I will always remember the wonderful times we have had going to sporting events and talking about sports. I remember going to see the minor league baseball games and you teaching me how to keep the statistics. I love you and hope that you enjoy watching the games with me from a better seat.

Joe Morrison

December 21, 2012

Pops,
I love you so much and will always be thinking about you and will cherish the time we spent together. I know I will see you again soon in heaven, and always remember... 2178 x 4 = 8712. Alex

December 21, 2012

As the first grandbaby, I named you "Pots." As my grandfather, it was your job to always tease me and say, "you're growing like a weed, Bridge-Meister!" I am glad you got to see me grow- always there for my special events, musicals, and graduation. What a blessing that my godfather is watching over me in heaven.

Bridget McNelis

December 21, 2012

Thanks, Pots, for being a loving grandfather and bringing laughter into our family. I will miss our newspaper chats and sports talk. Only you loved ALL of my cooking.

Amy McNelis

December 21, 2012

Hey Pots, I love you and miss you. Thanks for sharing your history and telling great stories. I will miss hearing you call me "Shannon-Meister," seeing you concentrate on sudoku, and joining you in eating my mommy's chocolate chip cookies.

Shannon McNelis

December 21, 2012

Dear Pots, I miss you so much already. I have fun memories of your train set in the basement. Whenever I see a train I will remember you.

Nathan McNelis

December 21, 2012

Miss you so much Dad. Love your dearly. God bless your beautiful soul. Rest peacefully now. Susan

Susan Morrison

December 21, 2012

Maria and Family, Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Glenn Heisey

December 21, 2012

Anne and I are so sorry for your loss. Bob was the finest of gentlemen. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. John and Anne Crowley (from ISSI)

John Crowley

December 20, 2012

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