Dr. Robert A. Harney Jr., of Winthrop, peacefully passed on June 13th, 2012 after a courageous battle with cancer. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara and Boston University Schools of Medicine, Dr. Harney was a well respected orthopedic surgeon in the Boston area for over 25 years. He was a longtime partner of North Suburban Orthopedic Associates, member of the Hallmark Health medical staff, team physician for Winthrop High School, Melrose High School and the former Savio Prep High School. Dr. Harney was past president of the American Academy of Sports Physicians, member of Massachusetts medical society and Massachusetts orthopedic association. He was an independent physician for the NFL players association. Through his years as a private physician, patients found confidence and trust in his friendly and calm demeanor; Colleagues found his commitments to patient care unwavering and his ability to teach, mentor and lead unsurpassed. As a result he was recognized as a 2010 Hallmark Health Hero. “Dr. Bob” as he was so passionately known was a tireless leader and innovator in Paralympic sports at the local, national and international levels. His career has been dedicated to the education and welfare of able-bodied, physically challenged and intellectually challenged athletes. Dr. Bob Harney was a founder and past president of New England Disabled Sports. His dedication and compassion for the development of adaptive recreation was recognized in the naming of the Dr. Bob Harney Adaptive Sports Center at Loon Mountain. He was the 2008 recipient of the Jim Winthers award, a 2010 nominee for the George Steinbrenner award and was inducted into the National Disabled Ski Hall of Fame in 2011. He was the national vice president of Disabled Sports USA, a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee. He was also a medical technical consultant for the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), the governing body for pro-cycling, para-cycling, and the Tour de France. He was internationally recognized in Paralympic Sports and he was instrumental in developing disability classifications for the Paralympic Games. He was named to the International Olympic/Paralympic medical technical teams in Nagano, Sydney, Salt Lake City, Athens, Torino, Beijing, and Vancouver.
Dr. Harney was inducted into the Winthrop High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2007.
Dr. Harney’s commitment to family and community was unsurpassed. His community volunteering included: Physical Fitness Consultant for the Miss Massachusetts/Miss America Organization, New England Regional Spinal Cord Center, Professional Ski Instructors of America and Member of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Advisory Committee for Head Injury and Concussions. He was also a member of the Cottage Park Yacht Club.
Dr. Harney is survived by his wife Andrea A. (Arcadipane) Harney, daughters Jessica D. (Harney) Griffin and her husband Michael of Charlestown and Kimberly M. Harney of Winthrop and his adored grandson Andrew Robert Griffin. Dear brother of Dale Keating and her husband John of Linwood, NJ, Paul Harney and his wife Kathleen of Wakefield, and Peter Harney and his wife Mary of Natick. Also survived by several nieces and nephews. A Funeral Mass to celebrate Dr. Harney’s life will be held on Friday, June 22nd at 4pm, in St. John the Evangelist Church 320 Winthrop St. Winthrop, MA. Relatives and friends are invited. There are no visiting hours. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Dr. Bob Harney Sports Foundation P.O Box 520324 Winthrop, Ma 02152. Funeral arrangements are from the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home 210 Winthrop St. WINTHROP. For more information, go to www.mauricekirbyfh.com