Francis "Frank" Patrick McElwee

Francis (Frank) Patrick McElwee of Harwinton died at home on October 9, 2020, after a long battle with cancer.  He was born on December 30, 1945, in New Britain, CT to Michael and Catherine (Sheehy) McElwee.  The family moved to Harwinton in 1949, the town which he considered home for most of his life.  Frank graduated from St. John’s Seminary in Boston with a degree in Philosophy.  He served in the Air Force Reserves for 20 years.

Frank and Mary O’Connor were marred in 1978, living in Bristol for six years until they built a home in Harwinton.  Frank was a parishioner of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church where he participated in various ministries over the years, including the Music Ministry which he especially enjoyed.  He was also a member of the Harwinton Volunteer Ambulance for 10 years, the Harwinton Lions Club, and the Bronc Callahan Community Fund.

He is survived by his wife Mary, by his son Michael and daughter-in-law Rebecca and granddaughters Amelia and Annabel of Bristol, CT; by his daughter Catie and son-in-law Richard Steinmetz of Northbridge, MA; and by his daughter Marianne and son-in-law Joel Attardo of Plymouth, MA.  He is also survived by his sister, Eileen Flaherty and her husband Joseph and nieces and a nephew in New Jersey.

Frank enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, volunteering in the community, watching UCONN Women’s Basketball and the Red Sox, taking road trips around the United States, and “Driving Miss Mary” in their Mustang convertible.

The family extends a sincere thank you to the doctors and caregivers at UCONN Heath Center and Hartford HealthCare.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, October 15, 2020, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Funeral Home, 82 Litchfield St., Torrington.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, October 16, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church (Our Lady of Hope Parish) 78 Litchfield Road, Harwinton, CT 06791. Relatives and friends are asked to meet directly at the church. Immediately following the Mass, Veteran’s final honors will be accorded.  Burial will be private.  Relatives and friends attending calling hours and funeral services are asked to follow CDC recommendations for COVID prevention by observing social distancing and wearing face masks.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Lady of Hope Parish, 60 Town Hill Road, P. O. Box 285, New Hartford, CT 06057 or to the Society of the Holy Child Jesus, 1341 Montgomery Avenue, Rosemont, PA 19010.

Condolences may be sent to the McElwee family by visiting www.cookfuneralhomect.com