OBITUARY | 2010-08-10
Edwin C. McElroy, 70, of New Philadelphia, died unexpectedly August 7, 2010.A son of the late Arlo and Kathryn McElroy, Edwin was born Oct. 6, 1939, in Ava. He graduated from St. Benedict High School, Cambridge, in 1958, and continued his education at Muskingum College, New Concord, and graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and mathematics. He was formerly employed by Union Camp, Marlite, and United Parcel Service.Edwin was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, New Philadelphia, where he served as an usher for many years. He also served on the Parish Council. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and held the position of master of the fourth degree. In addition, he was a former boys basketball coach at Sacred Heart Elementary School.Edwin was a member of the Lutheran Power Breakfast that met weekly in Emmanuel Lutheran Church, New Philadelphia. He volunteered as a mentor for elementary students through the TEACH program held at Trinity Episcopal Church, New Philadelphia. In keeping with his spirit of giving, Edwin and his wife, Barbara, sponsored numerous educational scholarships at both Sacred Heart Elementary School and Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School. He also served on the New Philadelphia City Council from 1989-91.Edwin had a passion for cars and was an avid collector of classic automobiles. His collections earned him many awards at various car shows over the years.Surviving are his wife, Barbara McElroy, whom he married in 1964; children, Barbara (Kurt) von Blanckensee of College Station, Texas, John (Dana) McElroy of Phoenix, Ariz., and Stephen (Erika) McElroy of Tucson, Ariz.; a grandson, Maxwell von Blanckensee; brother, Stanford (Norma) McElroy of Ava; and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by a brother, James McElroy.Mass of Christian Burial will be held August 12, 2010, at 2 p.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, with Father Jeff Coning officiating. Inurnment will follow in Calvary Cemetery, New Philadelphia. The family will receive friends August 11, from 6-8 p.m., at Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory, New Philadelphia, with Christian Wake services being held at 7:45 p.m.Those wishing to do so may send the family personal condolences and view an online memorial at http://www.geibcares.com.Memorial contributions may be made in his name to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street NE, New Philadelphia 44663.
