Robert Richard Ney

Rob is survived by his devoted wife, Sue, and their three beloved children: Brianna (23), Christian (20), and Kaela (19), all of Chandler, AZ. He also leaves behind his loving parents, Richard and Barbara Ney (Roselle, IL); siblings Debbie Meshey (Jeff) of Chandler, AZ; Scott Ney (Jen) of Sycamore, IL; and Robyn Ney of Roselle, IL. Rob is remembered fondly by many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family, including Izzy Marley who he fondly referred to as daughter #3. He was preceded in death by his cherished grandparents Eleanor & Robert Aevermann and Frieda and Wilbert Ney, and his uncle, Rich Aevermann.

Rob earned his MBA in Finance and built a successful 35-year career at IBM and Kyndryl. His work took him to some of the most beautiful places in the country, including 10 years in San Jose, CA, and 14 years in Boulder, CO. Later, he pursued theological studies at Phoenix Seminary.

Known for his spontaneity and love of adventure, Rob lived every day to the fullest. He found joy in the outdoors; kayaking, hiking, snowboarding, and especially riding his beloved Spyder motorcycle. He proposed to Sue at the top of Half Dome in Yosemite, a testament to his adventurous spirit. Even during the most difficult parts of his cancer journey, if he wasn’t sick from chemo, he was out seizing the day and making new memories.

A talented athlete, Rob played basketball, tennis, baseball, and volleyball, and continued his love for sports throughout his life. He especially enjoyed biking and completed several metric centuries (62 miles) in the mountains of Colorado. He passed this love of sports on to his children and spent many years coaching Brianna’s softball team, Christian’s basketball team, and Kaela’s volleyball team.

Rob was a gifted teacher. He loved helping his children and their friends understand personal finance and investing, and he had a heart for sharing his faith. He also loved music, both Rock ’n Roll and Christian. In July 2025, though hospitalized for nine days, he was discharged just in time to attend the July 31, 2025 Phil Wickham and Brandon Lake concert with his family; an experience he cherished deeply, and the last joyful outing before his health declined.

Diagnosed with stage 4 cancer in 2014, Rob was a true warrior; relentless in his fight and unwavering in his faith. He explored a wide range of treatments, from hyperbaric therapy and bee venom to the keto diet, always seeking to improve and extend his life. He was fiercely committed to cancer research and supporting others facing the disease.

Rob’s motto was “love and laughter,” with God first and then family. He was well known for his sense of humor; even during chemotherapy, where he’d ask his nurses to tell him a joke, or dressed as Santa at Christmastime to bring joy to others in treatment. His light-heartedness never left him, even in his final days.

Rob’s legacy is one of deep faith, unwavering love for his family, tireless work ethic, and boundless compassion for others. His spirit will live on in all who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Rob’s memory to one of the following causes close to his heart:

1. Christ Greenfield Lutheran Church https://christgreenfield.church/give

2. Saves for a Cure – October Saves Hockey Campaign

Supporting cancer research in Rob’s honor, led by his 11-year-old nephew’ & his hockey team

Support Ronan Briggs - October Saves Goalie Challenge 2025 | PledgeIt for Charities https://charity.pledgeit.org/OctoberSavesHockey/@RonanBriggs

3. American Cancer Society

Donate Today | The American Cancer Society https://donate.cancer.org/

The funeral service was shown live Sat Sept 27th. You can view a recording of the service here: https://download-na.resi.media/api/v1/customers/89451417-fd47-98f1-891e-02dc53faab70/export/yWcS-3QMkaPL2e4lysVW5cf9NUc0W5UvECNHjZXL2lg5rhpXy5GQpp06YIeHSOsxT9-52MJ8LBYVWc-hbJFUXdFdTLcCMQ6di7PPKpBAd70LpjABf6tauUvdRu7kW7ZZ3YQ-fHOnZQ0ixt4EOCn81FWktKLoFDc3Tr7ZSeUufQcq-O5i2wAXk1iuKHup2PYPtt0zrTupTovrumxEGlTiAtOKdddSmu78OaYR3QT6ChjEbc_SXs37CCl-0Kfwumg3JoDNNipO9kjM-1b6eya6HgLzNcOco9AKmr9etJSdJBBMwzTF9Tz8tD_mS5DBy5bxKeg_GTvn3cF6EQtiCiUzZy4fHzBBaJnKJr1ocMFtzB2IQrrheAbV4jUZyhkzm_d1EqoBppOkxU2sBOBsohgDILTD3QFm6tmdlUZ50zf8EVYab_Q3srgalrLJBfT52sCCpIgn11TamOqtOGgXp1I4ZgQiva9LSrV4