Francis E. Elwood, of Cedar Crest Village in Pompton Plains, formerly of Wayne, died Sunday, February 20, 2022. He was 94.
Born in Paterson, Francis was raised there. After graduating St. Joseph's High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving in China.
Returning home, he enrolled at Seton Hall University, graduating with a B.S. in Accounting. He quickly earned employment with American Cyanamid, starting work with the company in New York City before moving to their headquarters in Wayne.
Marrying Joyce McLaughlin, the couple lived first in Totowa before settling in Wayne to raise their four sons. While living in Wayne, they were longtime parishioners of Our Lady of Consolation Church, where Francis served as an usher.
After retiring, Francis continued to use his skills as an accountant, working at H&R Block during tax season, and volunteering to help the elderly with their tax returns in Clifton. Moving to Cedar Crest Village 18 years ago, he also assisted the Catholic community there with its accounting, assisting with the donations made to the church each week.
Francis had a life-long love of cars, and worked from age 81 to 91 at the Manheim Car Auction in Pinebrook. He loved driving cars for the auction, his family believes it was his most favorite of all his jobs.
Francis is lovingly survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Joyce; his sons, Kevin Elwood and his wife Gerry, and Brian Elwood; his brother-in-law, Jerry McLaughlin; his grandchildren, Lauren Milan and her husband Chris, Steven Elwood and his wife Lena, Brett Elwood, and Alyssa Elwood; and his great-grandchildren, Whitney, Reese and Jake Milan, and Aidan Elwood.
He was predeceased by his sons, Keith and Patrick Elwood.
Funeral services are being held privately for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations in Francis' name to St. Jude's Children's Hospital would be greatly appreciated.