Charles Eugene “Gene” McElroy

December 4, 1932-April 15, 2021

Charles Eugene “Gene” McElroy died of natural causes, surrounded by family, on April 15th in Morgan Hill, CA. He was the only son of Charles and Marcella (nee Martinez) McElroy, born December 4, 1932, in Las Vegas, NM. Their daughter, Gene’s older sister, Marion Bloyed of Phoenix, AZ, preceded him in death. He graduated from Las Vegas High School, where he was a member of the cross country, football, basketball and debate teams. He attended Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. After leaving New Mexico, he began a career of more than 30 years with the Retail Grocery Clerks for Safeway and Cala QFI. This career led him to San Francisco where he became active at Old St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Gene met and married Catherine Carmel McElroy nee Conway who preceded him in death in 1993. They settled in San Bruno and were active members of St. Robert Parish and Catholic School for over 20 years. In addition to his job as Produce Manager, he worked as the St Robert School custodian for 12 years.

He is survived by their 4 children and 8 grandchildren: Christy McElroy of Eugene (Noah and Finn), Carey McElroy and wife Stephanie of Pacifica (Daniel and Emily), Carlene Rousseu and husband Victor of Morgan Hill (Kolby and wife Courtney, and Derek), and Corinne McElroy of El Dorado Hills (Katherine and Bridgette). He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews who knew “Uncle Gene’’ as a gentleman and character full of joy and laughter who loved to dance at family gatherings. A devoted grandfather, he became known as “Papa” by everyone. He spent the last 25 years living in Morgan Hill, CA. There, he served as an usher at St Catherine’s Church and worked yard duty at St Catherine’s Catholic School. Papa was a life-long sports fan and admirer of the performing arts. He never failed to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s sports and theatre events. He continued his love for bowling as a member of the Senior League at Morgan Hill bowl until he was 84.

The family will have a memorial mass at noon on July 31st at St Catherine’s Catholic Church in Morgan Hill, CA.