Born on March 5, 1925 in Paxton, IL the son of John D. McElroy and Alta (Wilson) McElroy. He is predeceased by his wife Patricia Brown McElroy and son Ronald M. Smith.
Mr. McElroy is survived by his daughter Denise Goucher of Old Lyme, Granddaughter’s Jillian Goucher and Taylor Goucher of Old Lyme, Terry Conrad Turner of Greenwich, Grandson Chris A. Smith of New Hartford. His great Grandchildren, Joshua Conrad of Juan, CA. and Christy Conrad of Greenwich. His great-great Granddaughter Tezza Conrad of Jaun, CA and many nieces and nephews.
He honorably served in the US Navy for his career of 20 years retiring in 1961 as a Master Chief Petty Officer. Mr. McElroy’s Navy service began with his enlistment in 1942. He served on destroyers as a torpedoman and hard hat diver. After surviving two ship sinking’s due to torpedo attacks, he transferred to the submarine service and changed his rating to electronics technician. He later qualified for nuclear submarine service, and ended his career as a nuclear program instructor at the submarine Base in New London.
Following his US Navy service, he was employed at the US Navy Underwater Sound Laboratory in New London as an electronics technician until his retirement in 1981. He traveled widely while working on experimental sonar programs. He performed advanced work on Project Sanguine, a critical communication system for submarines, and did a tour as operator of the SOSUS sonar surveillance system at the control station in the Azores.
Following retirement from the Underwater Sound Laboratory, Mr. McElroy became a member of the VFW and Antique Veteran’s association where he assisted in many burial services. He was a Grand Master Mason of the Bayview Lodge in Niantic and a Shriner.
The family extends its gratitude to the staff at Apple Rehabilitation of Old Saybrook for the wonderful care that was provided during Mr. McElroy’s year-long stay.
A Calling Hour from 3:00 until 4:00 leading to a Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, December 22, 2019 at 4:00 in Fulton-Theroux Funeral Home, 13 Beckwith Ln., Old Lyme. Interment will be held in Arlington National Cemetery with full military honors at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a veteran’s organization of your choice.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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