Matthew Thomas McElroy

Thinking of you on your birthday

Joseph, We became aware of your post on Matthews obituary page when our sister Eileen visited the site a few days ago . I must tell you my friend The McElroy text chain was buzzing that night. We were all so very touched by your heartfelt and moving tribute to both Matthew and our entire family. It's amazing that the positive affect that Matthew had on you is shared by so many of the people that met him. What a gift he was! I was so happy to read how fondly you remembered your days on Green Meadows those were great days, days I'm sure we thought would never end. Matthews service has been postponed due to Covid19 . We would love it if you could attend when a date is scheduled. Please contact me my phone # is 310-930- 4661. Thanks again Peace and Love to you Googie

This is an amazing site for me to be able to see, read and share. Let me explain. On a whim I just thought I would try and google my childhood best friend from when I lived on Greenmeadows in Torrance. I moved there with my Mom Jan and sister Stephanie when I was in Elementary school. I had the good luck of moving in across the street from this awesome family of 7 kids all boys and one girl. Being the only boy in my family with no dad living across the street from a family with a Dad a Mom 7 kids and dogs was so incredible. It seemed like instantly Dan who we called Danny Boy back then became my best friend and I was over at the McElroys house as much as I could be. I grew up to be known as Joseph but as a boy I went by Joey and they called me Googie. I think Mike was the one who started that one. It's interesting all these years later that I happened upon this site by way of Google which is just some kind of funny serendipitous tidbit I thought I'd share. We played sports as did all the brothers and they were all amazing athletes. Football, basketball, baseball they were a solid family of athletic kids and I love sports too so it was awesome. Matt was always there in the mix playing with us or watching from the sidelines always so stoked to be in the mix. You couldn't meet a happier kid honestly. The McElroys were as classic an All American family as you could ever know. This was in the late 60's and I stayed there till my sister got married at St. Andrews Church in Redondo in the early 70's. My memories of living on Greenmeadows across from the McElroy family are filled with so much joy and happiness words can't explain but I'll try anyway. Danny boy and myself along with Steve Langstaff and his little brother who I think's name was Danny too and a few other neighborhood rascals had so much fun playing wiffle ball at newton school, football in the street, riding our bikes, climbing in the hills and last but not least going to rat beach bodysurfing. Going hiking up on the bridal trail in PV, fetching golf balls out of the woods at PV Golf Course and selling them for half price at the pro shop before heading down to get burgers, onion rings and shakes at Georges burgers next to south high, chasing wild peacocks in peacock canyon, playing ding dong ditchem and just having a childhood full of what childhood should be. I remember Matt so well and like all the friends writing on this memorium page I remember him as being so full of joy. He always had the biggest smile and he was so inspiring in ways he could never really be aware of I think. His spirit was pure joy and I gotta say for the years I lived across the street from the McElroys knowing him and watching him grow up had a strong effect on me and probably much more than I knew at the time. We eventually moved away after my sister got married off to Huntington Beach eventually settling in San Clemente and as awesome as San Clemente was and is those childhood memories of living across the street from the McElroys hold a very special place in my heart. I stopped by a couple times over the years and visited when I was in my late teens and mid 20's and got to hang out with Dan and see some of the other family members which was so cool for me. I've driven by a few times over the years up until even just 2 or 3 years ago and cruised down Greenmeadows checking out my old house, The McElroy house and Newton but I didn't know the McElroys were still there or I would've stopped and knocked to say hi. Anyway I'm 60 years old now and even though I only lived there a few years and have been gone for decades I just wanted to reach out to you guys and say hello and share some memories and give my condolences for Matt and the family. I wish you guys all the best. Peace and Love, Joseph Meier (Googie)

Dear McElroy family,

Knowing and playing with Matt is one of my fondest memories of my childhood living near you on Highgrove. Please know he made an impact on many peoples lives.
Please let me know when his celebration of life will be. I know my Mom and I would like to attend.
God bless,
Mia (Mellon) Heyes

I wish I had gotten the chance to know him. This obituary brought me to tears.

John and Megan so sorry for your loss. Sending our prayers and sympathies to you and your family.

Thanks to everryone for sharing your memories of Matt. We all treasure them. And Dori, we are sorry to hear about Debbie. She was so sweet. Debbie's picture is still up in Matt's room at home.
The McElroys

There are so many wonderful memories about Matt and the times he spent with us when we lived in Redondo, I simply can't list them all. Our beloved daughter Debbie (1961-2014)was one of his girlfriends. I know Debbie never forgot him when we left the South Bay area. The fun times we had are cherished by all who knew him - they certainly are by me. Please know that Matt is "toasting" a very happy reunion with old friends in Heaven. God bless you all!

I work at SVS and had the pleasure of having Matt as a client. He was well behaved and we all marvelled at his excellent technique in the various sports activities such as bowling, tennis, and golf. I too have a son with Down's Syndrome and I know how important it is to have family support. Matt was truly blessed to be loved by his family. May he rest in peace.

This beautiful tribute says as much about the wonderful McElroy family, parents and siblings, as it does about Matt himself. How blessed he was to be born into a family who saw received him as a gift, not a burden. He in turn taught so many so much by his life. What wasn't mentioned in this piece is the sacrificial love shown by all the McElroy siblings who, after Mae passed, faithfully saw to Matt and his needs, rotating weekends to be with him so that his carers could have a break. Jesus said the world would know we belonged to Him by way of the love we have for each other. Your love and devotion was exemplary. How fortunate are all of us who have been blessed to see such love and faithfulness lived out before us. May God comfort and bless you all.

Beautiful tribute to our Matthew! So touching and so true. He was the life of the party, and so funny and he did end his toasts with his latest bowling score. Laughing out loud right now remembering it! Sending love to all the Greenmeadow Macs. Matt's spirit is sure to sustain us all in the years ahead. XO Karen

Matt and all of the McElroys are an incredible success story and an absolute inspiration to all of us that have been lucky to know, grow up with, and spend so many great times together w/ the entire family. Thanks for a ton of laughs and great times Matt - you will always be one of the sports stars of the Newton School neighborhood. Make sure you put in a good word up there for our Dodgers Matt - it's been a long time since 88 .

Rest In Peace brother. You'll always be one of the great ones!

Beautiful words about our dear Matt. A gentle soul.
So wonderful to see these sweet photos of the GMMacs!
Matt changed our family in ways that cannot be counted. I had forgotten his middle name was Thomas. Matt sooo loved and so loving.
Much love to you all.
Tina

My condolences, each of his brothers and his sister Eilen! I was part of that great love that everyone gave him and that he enjoyed every moment with such a beautiful and united family! I am very sad for your loss !! God give each one resignation ..

We were lucky to grow up on Greenmeadows with the McElroys. Matt was truly a gift to our family. He taught my brothers and sisters early on what courage is and we grew up understanding that Downs is not a handicap but an inspiration. I'm proud to have known Matt and thank Mike and Mae for sharing him with us. Matt was always just another one of us, playing whiffle ball, ditch-em, and body surfing. He taught me/us more than anyone can know.
Well done Matt. !! Go take your well-deserved place with your Mom and Dad and brother Mike. You made us all proud. Dan Langstaff

John, that's beautifully written. Efrain and I didn't know Matt personally but his story is just touching. He lived a fruitful life. And the bond you guys had was very strong, unique, and irreplaceable.

Matt is not alone and never will be. He continues singing, or having the love for sports. One thing we know for sure is Matt gets to sit in one of the court side seats watching Kobe play.

Until you meet Matt again, cherish the memories you had with him.

Love,

Lynette & Efrain

My condolences to your family. Matthew was one of my students at Columbia and an athlete at Special Olympics. I'll always remember his enthusiasm for sports and how he didn't like to lose. May God comfort you and give you peace.

Beautiful Boy