Robert W. "Mac" McElhinney, 93, of Clintonville, Venango County, passed away Saturday at the Caring Place.
Bob was born in Franklin on Aug. 4, 1921, to Earl and Margaret Ann Greene McElhinney.
He graduated from Clintonville High School. After graduating high school, he married Doris McClelland on June 20, 1942, and they celebrated 67 years of marriage before her passing on Nov. 17, 2009. Bob and Doris had five children together.
Bob enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1942 during World War II, serving in the Army Air Corp from 1943-1945. He was stationed in Foggia, Italy, and flew B-24s, flying in 38 missions while serving his country. He and his crew were shot down over Italy, but Bob survived.
After returning from the war, Bob began his employment at TV Sloans in Clintonville where he opened up Bob's Garage, an automobile repair and paint shop. Bob then moved the shop to Boyers. Years later Bob returned to Clintonville to work with his son, Ron, and they had McElhinney Auto Body.
He was an expert painter and passed his skill onto his children and grandchildren. Speaking of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Grandpa Mac always looked forward to having a houseful of them and making special memories with each of them. Bob loved his Pittsburgh Pirates, if the games weren't on the TV, he would listen to them on the radio. He was a faithful follower to the Pirates and Steelers. Mac belonged to the American Legion At Large. Bob was a member of the Union Presbyterian Church in Clintonville as well.
Bob is survived by his children, Bobbi Ann Cooke of Harrisville, Lori M. Bonnani of North Carolina, Larry A. McElhinney of Eau Claire and Ronald L. McElhinney of Harrisville; one daughter-in-law, Peggy J. McElhinney of Harrisville; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
He was preceded by his parents, wife and one son, Michael McElhinney, who passed away Aug. 10, 2009; also a brother and his wife, James and Norma Jean McElhinney.
MCELHINNEY - The family of Robert W. "Mac" McElhinney, who died Saturday, May 9, 2015, will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Larry E. McKinley Funeral Homein Clintonville.
Funeral service will take place at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with an hour of visitation prior with the Rev. Anthony Catullo officiating from the Union Presbyterian Church.
Interment will take place at Peters Chapel.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517 Topeka, Kansas 66675 or VETS Honor Guard, 421 Ninth St., Franklin, PA 16323.
Friends can e-mail condolences by visiting www.mckinleyfuneralhome.net

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