Robert Alexander McConneghy III

Robert Alexander McConneghy, III Bob McConneghy, age 73, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, September 7th in Rancho Mirage, CA with loving family at his side. Life partner & devoted husband of 49 years to Karin (nee Kulesza), Palm Desert, CA, exceptional father to Robert A. McConneghy, IV (Lillian), Thousand Oaks, CA, & Chad Asher McConneghy (Emily), Chicago, IL. Special "DziaDzia" to Declan, Rowan & Asher McConneghy. Loving brother of Bryn Barasckai (Tom), Debbie Mastro (Vince) & Sally Reffert (Dave) all in Cleveland. Brother-in-law of John Kulesza (Stella) and Mark (Sharon Novak, both deceased). Bob was born on February 4, 1952, to the late Robert & Caroline McConneghy. He attended North Olmsted schools (inducted into the N. Olmsted football Hall of Fame in 2018) and was a proud graduate and donor of Hillsdale College, '74. He is a third generation cemeterian, who distinguished himself as an industry leader. He began working at Sunset Memorial Park & Crown Hill Cemetery right out of college as Sales & Marketing Director and eventually Vice President. Bob was actively involved in the International Cemetery & Funeral Association (ICFA) and at the time, was the youngest member elected to its board. He served on the faculty at numerous conventions and Sales Management Schools including ICFA University. He literally spoke at hundreds of conferences. Bob was also involved in the Ohio Association of Cemeteries and was past President. Bob was the grandson of Charles Silver (Ellen), founder of the cemeteries and an industry exemplar himself. Bob and Karin were married on November 28, 1975, and soon moved to Strongsville, Ohio where they started their family. In 1986, Bob was recruited to run pre-need sales at the 15 Catholic cemeteries for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles for 28 years. At one point he was mentoring & inspiring over 800 salespeople who loved him so much. Settling in Agoura Hills, Bob embraced the CA lifestyle and became involved in coaching his sons in flag football, basketball & baseball teams for many years. Everyone LOVED coach Bob. He was actively involved at Chaminade College Preparatory in West Hills, CA where the boys attended. He served on the Board of Directors and led a very successful Capital campaign. In 2014, Bob suffered a fall that resulted in a permanent disability and forced retirement. He struggled to walk but he was as sharp as a tack! After 5 months of rehab, we moved to the Oasis Country Club in Palm Desert where we had a second home. Paradise and blessed with the best friends we could ask for. He lived with pain, but I made sure he had fun. He LOVED the Ohio State Buckeyes, our country and was an unapologetic supporter of President Donald Trump. Bob loved his family above everything. He was truly a great man whose impact will be forever felt by his family and friends. He was a selfless man who left us many life lessons. He was a testament to the power of hard work, love & resilience. Bob, you will never be forgotten! Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20th from 2:30-4 PM at Sunset Memorial Park's Westwood Abbey Mausoleum, 6265 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070, where the funeral service will begin at 4 PM and dinner will follow. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to: Chaminade College Prep 10210 Oakdale Avenue Chatsworth, CA 91311 "In memory of Bob McConneghy."