Walter McElroy

1923 - 2016

Walter Joseph McElroy

Sept 28, 1923 - Feb 3, 2016

Walter Joseph McElroy, beloved husband and best friend of Roberta McElroy, loving father of Mary and Bishop Robert McElroy, Kathleen (John) Schreiner, Walter McElroy III (Theresa), and the late Patricia Merriman; caring grandfather of Eric and Courtney Schreiner; Meredith, Walter IV and Erin McElroy; and Ryan and Christopher Merriman. Walter was born in San Francisco on September 28, 1923, the devoted son of Alice and Walter McElroy and loving brother of Jean McElroy Ward. He attended Saint Cecilia Grammar School, Saint Ignatius High School, The University of San Francisco and USF law school. He was a member of the Army Air Corps in World War II. Walter practiced law in San Francisco with the firm of Donohue, Sumner, McElroy and Atkins from 1949 to 1986. Walter was very active in the life of the Catholic Church throughout his adult years, serving as Grand Knight of Knights of Columbus Council 615, and as a lector, Confirmation teacher, coach and parish leader at Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of Angels and Star of the Valley Parishes. Walter was also a member of the Peninsula Tennis Club and the Oakmont Tennis Club. In his retirement years, Walter returned to the creative writing which he had enjoyed as an undergraduate, and wrote a series of touching and award winning short stories, many of which displayed the abiding sense of humor that was such an enjoyable part of his personality. Walter had many fond memories of Rio Nido, the "Big Band Era"', vacations in La Jolla and Maui, and the family which was the center of his life. He felt truly blessed by God, and his kindness, gentleness and faith were a blessing to all who knew him. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Star of the Valley Catholic Church on Saturday, February 13, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., 545 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa.