MICHAEL WALTER MCINERNEY Jan. 21, 1939 – Feb. 21, 2026

Michael Walter McInerney of Rio Rancho, New Mexico was born Jan. 21, 1939, to Thomas and Doris McInerney in Shoreditch, London, England. He was the middle of three children; his sister Doris was the eldest, and his brother Stephen the youngest.

After completing secondary school, Michael served three years in the Royal Air Force (RAF), where he began what would become a firefighting career spanning more than six decades. He joined the London Fire Brigade in 1960 and served with distinction until 1981. He later trained firefighters for the Royal Saudi Air Force before moving to the United States in the early 1990s.

From 1994 until his retirement in 2007, he worked for the Los Alamos Fire Department. Even after retiring, Michael could not step away from the profession he loved. He joined—and later led—the volunteer fire department in McIntosh, New Mexico, finally hanging up his helmet for good in 2018.

In 1959, while still serving in the RAF, Michael began dating Barbara Prior, whom he had grown up with. They married in 1962 and welcomed two children: Michael Jr., born in 1966, and Nicola, born in 1971. His children remember him as a devoted father with a wonderful sense of humor. He delighted in watching Tom and Jerry cartoons, often laughing uncontrollably. Ever mischievous, he would wake his children by blasting Vera Lynn or Glenn Miller on the stereo, much to their annoyance. Michael was a dedicated family man whose loved ones meant the world to him. He was immensely proud of his children and, although distance sometimes kept them apart, he loved and adored his two granddaughters, Charlotte and Renée, Nicola’s daughters.

In May 2000, Michael met Stephanie Macek, who became his fiancée and common-law wife for more than twenty-five years. Together they shared decades of devotion, adventure, and companionship. They traveled frequently, especially enjoying the United States’ national parks and monuments and the area around Durango, Colorado. Over the years, they lovingly raised numerous dogs, who were Michael’s constant companions and brought him great joy.

Stephanie and Michael’s in-laws, Richard and Jan Macek, fondly remember the countless hours of hearty conversation, laughter, and companionship they shared. Michael took special pride in preparing holiday meals, always adding distinctly English touches such as mashed parsnips and roast potatoes.

Michael was loved and admired by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Words scarcely capture how remarkable he was. Kind, generous, and steadfast, he was someone who could always be relied upon and who would do anything within his power to help others. His philanthropic spirit aligned naturally with another of his lifelong passions: Freemasonry, a commitment he carried throughout his life.

Michael was first initiated into Freemasonry in England Jan. 5, 1983, and was a former member of Second Middlesex Artillery Lodge 2484. In the United States, he continued his involvement in Freemasonry and was a member and supporter of many lodges and other Masonic organizations, most notably, Estancia Lodge #33, his home lodge; Sandoval Lodge #76; and Edgewood Lodge #82. He was a past Master of both Estancia Lodge #33 and Sandoval Lodge #76 and held 13 offices in four lodges over the course of his more than 42 years as a Freemason. He genuinely cared about his Masonic Brothers, who all loved him deeply in return. 

Michael passed from this life Feb. 21, 2026, at age 87 after a brief illness. He is survived by his fiancée, Stephanie Macek; his first wife, Barbara; his son, Michael McInerney Jr. and husband, Wayne Venuto; his daughter, Nicola McInerney; his beloved granddaughters, Charlotte and Renée Jones; his siblings, Doris and Stephen; his in-laws, Richard and Jan Macek; and extended family and friends in both the United Kingdom and the United States. He is also survived by his five little doggies who miss him terribly: Lola, Shelby, Sadie, Reggie, and Roxie.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas and Doris McInerney.

A service to celebrate Michael’s life will be held at 6 p.m., Tuesday, May 26 at the Ballut Abyad Temple Shrine Center, 6600 Zuni SE, in Albuquerque with a reception to follow. A private interment will be held separately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Michael’s memory to the Los Alamos Fire Department, honoring his lifelong dedication to service.

Michael’s legacy is one of dedication, humor, service, and deep love for family and friends. He will be profoundly missed and forever remembered.