Edwin C McElroy

Edwin C. McElroy, 70, of New Philadelphia, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 7, 2010.A son of the late Arlo and Kathryn (Wood) McElroy, Edwin was born October 6, 1939, in Ava, Ohio.Edwin graduated from St. Benedict High School in Cambridge, Ohio in 1958. He continued his education at Muskingum College in New Concord, Ohio, 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 in New Philadelphia, where he served as an usher for many years. He also served on 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.He was a member of the Lutheran Power Breakfast that met weekly in Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Philadelphia. He volunteered as a mentor for elementary students through the TEACH program held at Trinity Episcopal Church in 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 New Philadelphia City Council from 1989-1991.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.He is survived by his wife Barbara (Sikora) McElroy, whom he married May 2, 1964; his children Barbara (Kurt) von Blanckensee of College Station, Texas; John (Dana) McElroy of Phoenix, Arizona; and Stephen (Erika) McElroy of Tucson, Arizona; a grandson, Maxwell von Blanckensee; a brother, Stanford (Norma) McElroy of Ava, Ohio; and many nieces and nephews.Edwin was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, James McElroy.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 11, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory in New Philadelphia with Christian Wake services being held at 7:45 p.m. Father Jeff Coning will celebrate a Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, August 12, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in New Philadelphia.Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and view an online memorial by visiting the funeral home website.Memorial contributions may be made in Edwin’s name to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 139 Third Street, N.E. New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.