GUILDERLAND – Merton “Joe” McElwain, 89, of Guilderland, NY died Wednesday, May 10, 2023. He was born on May 27,1933 in Fort Covington, NY, son of the late George and Eva Smiddy McElwain. He graduated from New York State Teacher’s College, Albany in 1955 and attended numerous National Science Foundation courses during the following summers. Mr. McElwain taught high school mathematics at Salmon River Central School (Fort Covington, NY), Victor High School (Victor, NY) and 26 years at Shaker High School (Latham, NY), retiring in 1990.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Ellen H. McElwain; his three sons: Michael McElwain of Liverpool, New York, Stephen McElwain (wife: Lorraine) of Scarborough, Maine, and David McElwain of Troy, New York. Grandchildren include Ethan McElwain (wife: Maegan) of Vermont, Erin Durgin (husband: Coleman) of Massachusetts, Bryan McElwain of Montana, and Kelsey McElwain of Montana. In addition, he has 3 great grandchildren: Connor McElwain, Mia McElwain, and Parker Durgin. Sisters-in-law include Barbara Anderson McElwain of Fort Covington, NY and Connie McElwain of Canandaigua, NY. He also had several nieces and nephews.
Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, May 16th, at Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, from 4 – 7 p.m. A short prayer service with selected readings will begin at 6:30 p.m. Interment will be held on Saturday, May 27th, at 2:30p.m. in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Hogansburg, NY. To leave a message of condolence for the family, please visit www.HansFuneralHome.com .
Emily Gorton
We’re so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers Love, Emily, Karen, Diane and families