Rob Mawhinney January 21, 1964- November 3, 2021
Rob Mawhinney, born January 21, 1964, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly at home on the morning of November 3, 2021. The world lost an outstanding human being, a man of highest integrity, a loving son, husband, Papa, brother, uncle, and friend. Rob started his career in racing, eventually designing and building engines for race cars. He found his true passion in aviation and worked for the last 22.5 years as a Restoration Specialist for the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum. He leaves behind his beloved partner in life, his wife Lorilee Callahan Mawhinney and his two much loved grandchildren, Liam and Lori Callahan. He is survived by his mother, Judith Mawhinney, his sisters, Megan Stephan (Karl), Jacque Zoerner, and Leslie Wallis (Ed), his special cousin Shannon Ganoe (Gary), one niece and five nephews. He is also survived by a large extended family and his Smithsonian family and friends from around the world. All of whom have suffered a great loss. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Earl Mawhinney and brother-in-law, Oliver Zoerner. Rob was loved and respected by those who had the good fortune to know him. He and his sense of humor will be greatly missed by everyone and most especially by his now very confused Great Dane "Our Big Jeffrey "The Dude' Lebowski' and his Poodle brother Mario, both of whom enjoyed watching Oak Island with him and the deep discussions that ensued. Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a Great Dane rescue or your local animal shelter.

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Published by The Washington Post on Nov. 14, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for ROB MAWHINNEY

12 Entries

lorraine callahan

May 7, 2025

It has almost been 4 years without him. I feel no more sadness. Just joy and gratefulness that I got to meet him and be his granddaughter.

lori

January 17, 2025

it is 1/17/2025. charismas and his death date were hard. miss you papa, love you.

lori callahan

May 30, 2024

today is 5/30/24. it has been 2 years since he died. it hurts because im starting to forget his voice even though i heard it everyday. i miss him.

Mellody

November 3, 2023

Today it has been two years since you left us. I am holding your mom and sisters in my heart, as well as everyone who knew and loved you. The world was so blessed to have you in it, and we will always remember and live our best lives like the example you gave. May your memory truly be eternal!

lori callahan/mawhinney

January 19, 2022

he was the best dad ever. I remember when I was little and we would play a game where id stand on his feet and hold his hands and we would stomp around the house. the last words i remember he said was... "I LOVE YOU RONUS BALONUS!!!" we where screaming I love for 5 min. it was amazing. ill always remember him.

Udo Hafner

November 24, 2021

I got to know Robert personally in Washington and in Friedrichshafen / Germany. We exchanged a lot of emails on technical issues. He was a very pleasant and trustworthy person. I am very sad. My condolences go out to his relatives.

Chris Browne

November 17, 2021

Our world was greatly enriched by Rob's presence, and is now sadly diminished by his passing. He was a fine steward of the nation's aerospace collection, and future visitors to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum will benefit in untold ways from his contributions and care. I know I speak for the entire Museum team in conveying our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. God bless you Rob.

Darrell G Gloshen

November 17, 2021

I only had a chance to know Rob for a short time, compared to most. In that time, I was amazed at his sense of humor, wealth of knowledge, and his passion for aviation and racing. I consider myself lucky for having had the chance to know him and he will be sorely missed here in PRU.

Jeremy R. Kinney

November 16, 2021

On behalf of the curators at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, I am sorry to convey our warmest condolences and heartfelt regrets on the loss of Rob. He was, above all else, dedicated to the National Collection and it showed in everything that he did at the Museum. We are going to miss a valued colleague that left the Museum better than he found it.

Rick Bruckschen

November 16, 2021

Rob will be missed very much. Here at Smithsonian.

Thomas Atkinson

November 15, 2021

My deepest condolences. Rest In Peace Rob. love you.

Tony Kambic

November 14, 2021

I cannot tell you the sense of loss I felt upon hearing of Rob´s passing. My deepest condolences to the family. I´ve only really known Rob for about 6 years and spent the past three working closely with him at the Air & Space Museum. I´m a volunteer and he was my project leader. Friendly to all, he had a wonderful enthusiasm for restoration at the museum and will be so missed by all.

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