Atty. Charles F. McElwee

1954 - 2022

Atty. Charles F. McElwee passed away peacefully Aug. 31, 2022, at home in Hershey, surrounded by his family.

Born June 25, 1954, in Hazleton, he was a son of the late Charles F. "Tess" and Mary (Shields) McElwee. He was a graduate of St. Gabriel's and Bishop Hafey High School in Hazleton. He received his B.A., with honors, from the University of Scranton and his J.D. from Duquesne University School of Law.

Charles was a partner at Cipriani & Werner in Harrisburg. With over 40 years of litigation experience, he was a talented and widely respected attorney who enjoyed the practice of law. He concentrated his practice in workers' compensation and employment matters. He was a mentor, wise counsel and empathetic confidante to colleagues, clients and friends.

A true intellect, Charles was a man for all seasons. A gifted conversationalist, he had a command of wide-ranging subjects, including politics, sports, history, literature, film and Irish Catholicism. A bibliophile, he collected books on World War I and Russian history. Everyone who knew him was touched by his wealth of knowledge, kindness, character and youthful disposition. No one could outmatch his sense of humor.

Charles enjoyed culturally enriching trips, reading, following the Philadelphia Phillies, talking politics and summer nights listening to music on his patio. He also enjoyed walks on Conyngham's Main Street and hikes around Hazleton, which he appreciated for all its idiosyncrasies.

What he loved most was his family. He shared a fun and loving relationship with his wife, Katie. He adored his three sons and nurtured and embraced their passions and interests. They were his best friends.

A member of St. Joan of Arc Church, Hershey, he was a 4th degree Knight of Columbus and a retreatant at Loyola Jesuit Center, Morristown, N.J. He was also a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and Greater Hazleton Historical Society.

He is survived by his dearly loved wife of nearly 35 years, Katie (Connors) McElwee; his three adoring sons, Charles F. III, Wayne; Robert Connors, Charleston, S.C.; and Shane Connors, Brooklyn, N.Y.; and his sister, Mary Ann McElwee DeCusatis, Strafford. He is also survived by many friends, including his neighbors, Dr. Lance and Leslie Hildrew, Hershey, who are like family. We are grateful for their love and support.

A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6, at Hoover Funeral Home, 88 Lucy Ave., Hershey. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, at St. Joan of Arc Church, 359 W. Areba Ave., Hershey. There will be no visitation at the church. A private interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery in Drums. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Charles F. McElwee Fund for Cultural Enrichment at St. Joan of Arc School, Hershey. Hoover Funeral Home of Hershey is handling the arrangements.