Francis Patrick McElroy Sr., 80, died on July 2, 2016 at UMass Medical Center surrounded by his loving family after a brief illness.

He was born on February 15, 1936 in Worcester, son of the late William Wesley and Mabel Helen (Anderson) McElroy.

Francis was renowned throughout the Worcester County area for his artistry work in plastering, stone masonry, and brick laying work. Some of which included the Worcester EcoTarium and other historical homes and buildings in the area. He did volunteer work bringing divorced Catholics back to church with workers from the Chancery. For many years he volunteered at Ascension Church and was a member of St. John’s Church in Worcester and also a member of the Auburn Elks. He worked for Faucher Brothers and Sansoucy & Carter for many years. He served his country for 8 years in the Army National Guard.

The only greater love he had other than his artistic work was the love and time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters with which he enjoyed camping, fishing, and other outdoor activities. Francis spent time teaching his children to cherish and love the precious moments with family.

He leaves behind his wife Sandra Lee (Glasberg) McElroy whom he was married to for 43 years; loving children, Lynnette M. Lanciault and her husband Gerald; William F. McElroy and his wife Donna; Virginia M. Bonnici; Donna M. Marshall and her husband, Robert Tenney; Michael F. McElroy; Sean F. McElroy; Francis M. McElroy and his wife, Tracy; William W. McElroy II, and his wife Dorothy; Sarah C. McElroy and her husband Anthony Arroyo; three brothers, William, John and Charles McElroy; three sisters, Mary Patenaude, Sarah Leblanc and husband Raymond, Mabel Austin; 31 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; longtime best friends, Max Bernstein, William and Jean Worster.

He is predeceased by his son, Francis P. McElroy, Jr.

He will be dearly missed by all his family, friends and the kindness he did for others.

Visiting hours will be on Thursday, July 7th from 4:00 until 7:00pm at CALLAHAN, FAY & CASWELL FUNERAL HOME, 61 Myrtle St., Worcester. A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00am on Friday, July 8th at St. Johns Church, 44 Temple St. Burial will follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to St. Johns Church, 44 Temple St., Worcester, MA 01604 or Cerebral Palsy Association, 600 Technology Center Dr., Stoughton, MA 02072 or Boston Children’s Hospital, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215.