Robert McBurney Obituary

Robert Martin McBurney, Sr. CHARLESTON - Robert Martin McBurney, Sr., 85, of Charleston, widower of the late Patricia Geraty McBurney, entered into eternal rest Saturday, August 2, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday, August 11, 2025, at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad Street, Charleston. The Rite of Committal will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery on James Island. The family will receive friends between 3:00 & 5:00 PM Sunday at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. Bob McBurney was born in Denver, Colorado, the son of Meryle Ernestine McIver McBurney and Elmer Robb McBurney. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia (Patty) Geraty McBurney. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Rose Anne McBurney Slease and survived by sister, Janet McBurney Armstrong. He is survived by his son, Robert M. McBurney, Jr. (Mindy) his daughter, Patricia Geraty McBurney, MD; and his grandchildren, Charles Cooper McBurney, Mary Cates McBurney and John Christopher McBurney. Bob spent his childhood growing up in Corvallis, Oregon. As a young man, he operated a business with his father, making water skis. He graduated from Oregon State University in 1961 with a degree in Geology. He was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy upon graduation. Bob served in the United States Navy on active duty until 1967. In the Navy he served as a Surface Warfare Officer. One of the highlights of his service was his participation in the experimental piloting of remote control helicopters for anti-submarine warfare, a forerunner of the drone systems of today. Bob continued to serve in the United States Navy Reserve from his new home in Columbia, South Carolina, where he worked as an industrial engineer at Allied Chemical and was active in local civic groups and organizations. Bob later moved to Charleston, South Carolina, where he would work for years as an industrial engineer at RM Industrial Products and later, Homemaker Industries. He went on to earn a Master's in Business Administration from the University of Southern Illinois, Edwardsville. He also taught business classes at community college programs in the Charleston area. He also operated a small business and became a licensed real estate agent. His service in the United States Navy Reserve continued, where he was promoted to the rank of Captain and commanded a unit that developed and implemented the first comprehensive plan for sea and harbor defense of the coastal Charleston area. He retired from the United States Naval Reserve in 1990. Patty and Bob lived in their much-loved James Island home for nearly 50 years with kids and dogs. He was active in parish life at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, where he served a term as President of the Men's Club. His later years were spent with friends at The Palmettos of Charleston, where he was visited often by family and friends like Deacon Jim Letendre. The family would like to thank Bob's many medical providers, caregivers, neighbors, and friends who helped make the last years of his life rich and beautiful. Memorials may be made to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, 120 Broad Street, Charleston SC, 29401 or to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 3512 Devine St, Columbia, SC, 29205. Arrangements by James A. McAlister, (843) 766-1365.