Richard J. McElroy, age 81 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died peacefully on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at CareOne at Somerset Valley in Bound Brook, NJ.

Richard was born on October 15, 1942, in Saint Elizabeth’s Hospital in Elizabeth, NJ, to Bertha McElroy. Along with Bertha, Richard was raised by his Aunt, Sister Eleanor McElroy. 

Richard met his wife, Patricia Anne Cermele, at a White Castle in Elizabeth, NJ. They wed on February 7, 1964, and moved to Fords, NJ, shortly after. Ten months later, on Christmas Eve, they welcomed their first child, Deborah Noel McElroy. Two years later, they welcomed their son, Robert Richard McElroy. 

Richard worked for Hayman’s manufacturing company before becoming a diesel mechanic at Pathmark. He was a hard worker, who had a second job at a tire shop, and passed his strong work ethic on to his children and grandchildren. 

Very family oriented, Richard selflessly took care of so many others. Richard and Patricia loved to spend time at their house in Cape May, NJ. He enjoyed going to the boardwalk, sitting by the ocean, and watching the Ferry come in to the dock. Richard also had a love and passion for horses, which he was able to enjoy with his children and his granddaughter. 

Richard, lovingly known as “Poppy,” was blessed to have six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren who were truly the lights of his life. 

After the death of his beloved Patricia, Richard remarried. Ellen brought him so much joy each and every day. They enjoyed going dancing on New Year’s Eve together, walking around historic Cape May, and watching Animal Planet and Fox News together. Richard and Ellen enjoyed the company of their cat, while traveling between Cape May and Flemington, NJ. When asked to describe him, she lovingly said, “He loved the Three Stooges and his Lifesavers. I have never met a kinder, gentle, and more caring person in my life. He had the patience of an Angel. I will miss him so much, he was my sweetheart.” 

Richard, “Rich”, was a man of few words, but when he did share his wisdom, all listened closely. His words were always funny and meaningful. Richard truly embodied the meaning of strength and resilience. 

Although his journey is now over, his bright light will continue shining through his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Those who knew him loved him and he will be missed by many. Always stay humble and kind, just like “Poppy”. 

Richard will lie in repose on Friday, March 1, 2024, from 4:00-6:00 p.m., in the Chapel of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ.

Committal Prayers followed by Entombment will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024, at St. Gertrude’s Cemetery, 53 Inman Avenue, Colonia, NJ, and under the care and direction of Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. We kindly ask everyone to meet directly at the cemetery office parking lot for further instructions by 10:45 a.m.

Entombment will be private.

You are encouraged to visit Richard’s permanent life celebration site at www.wrightfamily.com to light a candle of hope, leave messages of condolence, share words of comfort and recollection, and post photographs of his life.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Benedictine Sisters of Elizabeth via mail, 851 N. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07208, or by clicking online HERE.

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Wright & Ford, your local, family owned & operated “Life Celebration Home”

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