Lawrence Joseph Mcelroy

The gift of eternal peace and rest was given to Lawrence (Larry) Joseph McElroy, who passed away on Friday, December 23, 2022. He is survived by his beloved wife, Maureen Cecilia (Fasy) McElroy, and his three daughters, Maureen B. McElroy, Kathleen Hennessy (Andrew), and Kristin McElroy (Eddie Manzi).

Larry was born in Philadelphia on January 10, 1936, the son of the late Mary McGarvey and Lawrence Joseph McElroy. He was the brother of the late Charles McElroy (Sally), and is survived by his siblings Sr. Catherine (IHM), Jack, Alexander (Norma), Thomas (Fran), Francis (Carol), and Maryann McCartney (the late William McCartney). At age 18, Larry entered the seminary at Saint Charles Borromeo. During his formation, he studied at Université Catholique de Louvain in Leuven, Belgium. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1961 and served the Archdiocese of Philadelphia through 1976. His service included teaching mathematics at both Cardinal Dougherty High School and Bishop McDevitt High School, and being studies director at Bishop McDevitt. He ministered to the people of St. Francis Assisi (Germantown), St. John Bosco (Hatboro), St. John Neumann’s Nursing Home (Philadelphia), Holy Angels (Philadelphia), and Joan of Arc (Philadelphia). He earned his M.S. in Mathematics from the University of Notre Dame in 1968. A lifelong educator, he continued teaching math beyond his priestly years (Bucks County Community College for 18 years and LaSalle University for over 40 years).

It was at Bishop McDevitt High School that he met his wife, Maureen. They were blessed to share 44 years of happy marriage. They raised their three daughters in his father’s home in Holland, Bucks County, where they were members of St. Andrew’s parish in Newtown.

Larry loved his family, his work, and his faith above all else. He loved playing card games with his brothers when they would get together. He enjoyed doting on his wife and daughters. And he loved, truly loved, what he did for work. Even well into his 80s, with dwindling health, he never missed a day of work tutoring students who needed help in their math courses. He was a gifted teacher, beloved by students far and wide. He will forever be remembered for his work ethic and his faithfulness to God and family. He always stood up for what was right, even when it wasn’t the popular thought of the day.

Relatives and friends may greet family from 10 to 11:20 AM and a Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM, both on Thursday, December 29th, 2022 at St. Andrew Church 81 Swamp Rd. in Newtown, PA 18940.  Lawrence's funeral mass will be live streamed through St. Andrew's website www.standrewnewtown.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grey Nuns of the Sacred Heart, near and dear to Maureen, a former Grey Nun, and Larry, who worked for the Grey Nuns for almost a decade. https://secure.etransfer.com/EFT/custom/GreyNuns/BlockCode/donation1.cfm?d2org=GreyNuns&d2tool=donate

Services are entrusted to the Joseph J. McGoldrick Funeral Home and condolences may be made at www.mcgoldrickfh.com