Andrew Francis McElroy Jr.

1931 - 2021

McElroy, Andrew Francis, Jr., - The community of Margate lost a legend…Andrew Francis McElroy, Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 12, 2021. Andy, Coach or Mr. Mac to most, was born on December 7, 1931 to Andrew & Gladys McElroy. He was raised in Ventnor with his siblings Dolores Curry of Linwood and James McElroy of Northfield. Andy attended St. James Catholic School and was a graduate of Atlantic City High School in 1949. His interests included sports, music & science, he was a classical pianist, built model airplanes, master carpenter, and loved to play football, basketball and hockey. He loved playing with the Shore Aces hockey team from 1968-1978. His life would be forever changed when he met the love of his life Catherine Lodovico of Atlantic City. They courted and were married November 25, 1954. While attending Villanova University, he played for the Wildcats football team and graduated in 1954 with a Bachelor of Education degree and went on to get his Masters in Physics at Trenton State College in 1966. His love of teaching and mentoring led him to teach at Atlantic City High School (1954-1960), Oakcrest High School (1960-1972), and he ended his 38 years long teaching career as Head of the Science Department at Absegami High School(1972-1992). Upon his retirement, he turned to another passion of his, weight training & powerlifting, and like everything else he put his mind to, he excelled and went on to win 4 National and 3 International Powerlifting Championships in his age and weight class. He will be most remembered for his influence on the youth of this community. For over 2 decades he was Head Coach of the Margate Colts football team (1963-1981), winning 8 Atlantic County Junior Football League Championships and bringing countless memories for the entire community.  He also was assistant Coach for the Ventnor Pirates (1999-2005). There are an immeasurable number of lives that he touched and influenced, always for the better. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles and was lucky enough to see them win a SuperBowl Championship. With an Eagle's game on and a cold Budweiser beer in his hand, he was a very happy man.  He dedicated his life to his family and this community and was a great motivator, a perfectionist, always fair but stern and strict, always truthful, had an amazing work ethic and he had the gift of bringing out the best in all he taught, coached or mentored. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, the love of his life, Catherine (nee) Lodovico, as well as his 4 children Dr. Andrew F McElroy III (Lili), Carol Savio (Jim), Maryann McElroy, Michael J. McElroy (Susan). Known as "Pop", he was so loved by all of his grandchildren Samantha O'Brien RN (Shaun), Catherine Sullivan Esq. (Tim), James M. Savio, Esq, Kelsey Moyer, RN (Mike), Dr. Andrew F. McElroy IV, Dr. Travis McElroy, Megan Conover (Dylan), Molly Kinghorn and many nieces and nephews. A celebration of this great man's life will be held on Saturday, April 24th with a visitation from 10am to 12pm at the George H. Wimberg Funeral Home located at 1707 New Rd., Linwood. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be extended to the family at ghwimberg.com.