Andrew M. McElroy

Andrew McElroy, 85, of Austinburg, Ohio and Fort Myers, Florida, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born December 6, 1939, in Ashtabula, Ohio, Andrew was the son of Alexander and Esther (Hanson) McElroy. He graduated from Ashtabula High School with the Class of 1957 and went on to earn his bachelor's degree from The Ohio State University in 1961. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the Air Force Reserves from 1962 to 1968. Andy's professional career spanned several decades, with roles at North American Aviation, Denison Division of American Brake Shoe, Ashtabula Bow Socket, and ultimately at Plasticolors, where he retired in 2001. On June 29, 1963, Andy married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Betsy. Together they built a life filled with devotion, laughter, and adventure. In 2013, they joyfully renewed their vows in Ormsby, Ontario, near their cherished family cabin where they spent summers from 1966 until 2022. Deeply committed to his community, Andy gave generously of his time and talents. He was a member of JCs-Worthington, served as a Scoutmaster with the Boy Scouts of America and on the Cleveland Board of Directors, led as President of the Ashtabula Area College Committee, and contributed to the YMCA board from 1968 to 1988. He also served with the Ashtabula Foundation, the Ohio State Alumni Association, and the Ashtabula Country Club. A faithful member of the First United Church of Christ in Austinburg, Andy dedicated himself to numerous committees, including diaconate, pastor parish, memorial, and trustee. Andy's passions were many. He and Betsy delighted in antiquing wherever their travels took them, filling their century home in Austinburg with treasures and stories. Together, Andy and Betsy traveled extensively across the United States, Canada, and abroad, often accompanied by dear friends. A lifelong athlete, Andy played baseball from Little League through college, earning the Richard Regner Competitive Sportsman's Award as a senior in high school and pitching for The Ohio State University, earning a Varsity Letter in 1961. He remained an avid sports enthusiast throughout his life, spending countless hours on the YMCA handball court, the golf course and cheering on THE Ohio State Buckeyes! Andy will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to family, his generosity of spirit, and his zest for life. His legacy of love, service, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betsy; children, Seth (Julie) McElroy and Sarah (Timothy) Tarry; grandchildren, Tyler (Emily) Tarry, Avery Tarry, Karson McElroy, and Kate McElroy who filled his life with additional joy. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 11AM at the ZABACK-WILLIAMS-DUCRO FUNERAL HOME, 500 West Prospect Road, Ashtabula. Friends may call from 10AM until the time of service. Burial will follow at Ridgeview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Ashtabula YMCA, 263 W. Prospect Rd., Ashtabula, Ohio 44004 or the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org. Zaback-Williams-Ducro Funeral Home, 500 W. Prospect Rd. Ashtabula is handling arrangements. Online obituary and condolences at www.ducro.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Andrew, please visit our floral store.