Michael Joseph McInerney

A fourth-generation Washingtonian, Michael was born March 9, 1941, to Dr. Michael Joseph McInerney, Jr. and Margaret Somerville McInerney. Michael loved Washington and spent most of his life in the area until he retired to Stuart, Florida. Michael is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Ann Quinley Chandler; his daughter Caroline McInerney Williams and her husband, J. Nelson of Lookout Mountain, Georgia; son, Michael Joseph McInerney IV of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; brother, Brian Martin McInerney and his wife, Nancy of Rocheport, Missouri. Among his greatest joys were his five grandchildren, John McInerney Williams, Nelson Somerville Williams, Ann Chandler Margaret Williams, Michael Declan McInerney and Brian Fitzsimmons McInerney. He was preceded in death by his brother, Thomas Somerville McInerney; his sister, Margaret Somerville McInerney II and his grandchildren, Michael Joseph McInerney V and Quinley Maureen McInerney.

Michael grew up in the Kent area of Washington, DC where he attended Sidwell Friends School through the sixth grade and then Georgetown Preparatory School for grades seven through twelve. At Prep, Michael played basketball and football where he played both ways and was named to the all-IAC conference team. After high school, Michael studied civil engineering at the University of Notre Dame where he also joined the NROTC program. Upon graduation, Michael completed his term of service with the United States Navy and earned his MBA in finance from George Washington University.

In 1966, Michael began a successful business career with Merrill Lynch that lasted over 20 years, eventually running the firm’s Institutional Department in the Mid-Atlantic states. In 1968 he became the youngest member of the Board of Directors of both the Thos. Somerville Company and T.S. Realty, both of which were companies founded by his family beginning in 1861. In 1986, members of the Board approached Michael and asked him to take over the leadership of the company. Michael led the company to great success under the tenants of investing in the employees, strengthening the management team and focusing on conservative, long-term objectives.

Cultivating lifelong relationships was a very important part of Michael’s life. He was known for being fiercely loyal in both friendships and business relationships. Michael supported numerous worthwhile causes in both the DC area as well as the Stuart community. During his career, Michael also served on the Boards of the Washington Hotel Company, C.L. Watt, Affiliated Distributors and TW Perry. He was a member of the Church of the Little Flower, Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Cardinal's Appeal, Metropolitan Club, Chevy Chase Club, Columbia Country Club, Sailfish Point Country Club, American Supply Association and the Middle Atlantic Wholesale Association.

Michael loved the Chesapeake Bay and spent every summer of his life on the West River in Shady Side. It was a place full of wonderful memories and generations of stories. Michael was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend. He took great joy and pride in witnessing and supporting each of his family’s and friends’ successes.

A private mass will be held at Georgetown Preparatory School and Interment at Rock Creek Cemetery. A reception will follow and all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Finn & Quinley Infant and Children’s Fund c/o The DCH Foundation, 1110 Dr. Edward Hillard Drive, Tuscaloosa, Al 35401. Finn & Quinley Infant and Children's Fund.