William B. McElwee Jr.

SALEM - William B. McElwee Jr., 83, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital.

Bill was born September 7, 1941, in Pitcairn, PA, the only son of the late William Boyd and Isabel Louise (Clagett) McElwee.

Raised in Pennsylvania, Bill was a graduate of Gateway High School, Monroeville, PA, Class of 1960. During a visit to Sun Drugstore's soda fountain, Bill met the woman who would become the love of his life, Karen Stape. Their divinely orchestrated encounter blossomed into a romance filled with dedication, faith, and joy. Throughout, their four-year courtship, Bill's commitment never wavered, as he made weekly drives to Indiana University of Pennsylvania to see Karen. The two were united in marriage on August 21, 1965, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family, raising their daughter Pamela and later welcoming the addition of their son-in-law and granddaughters.

In 1967, Bill's journey took him and Karen to Salem, Ohio, where he began his career as a machinist at National Rubber Manufacturing. He remained with the company for 25 years until its closure, and in 2007, retired from Colfor Manufacturing as an assembler after many years of service.

Bill's passion for life extended beyond his professional endeavors. He was an active member of the Salem First Friends Church, Encouragers Bible Study Class, and the Salem Community Center, enriching his faith and fellowship. His love for music and movement found a joyous outlet in previously singing with both church choir and the Salem Barbershop Chorus, along with dancing any chance he got. Around the Salem community, he was affectionately known as "Dancing Bill," a testament to his love for the jitterbug and the many evenings spent at Waterworth Memorial Park's summer concerts. Together with Karen, he also shared his love for polka and line dancing.

An avid cyclist, Bill found joy in partaking in numerous biking events, including an unforgettable week-long journey from Ashtabula to Portsmouth, Ohio. He also enjoyed the camaraderie and friendly competition found in local bowling and softball leagues.

Bill's loving and friendly nature meant he never met a stranger. His warm smile and genuine conversation made every encounter memorable. His friendly nature was complimented by his wonderful sense of humor, which remained present even in his final days as he joked with the nurses who cared for him.

A devoted and loving husband, father, Pappap, brother, and uncle, Bill leaves to carry on his memory; his wife, Karen McElwee of Salem; daughter, Pamela Dow and her husband, Jonathan of Hendersonville, TN; his granddaughters, Bethany Dow of Columbia, TN, and Rachel Dow of Soddy-Daisy, TN; sister, June Hale of Westminster, CO; and a host of extended family, including an aunt, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his infant twin granddaughters, Amanda and Catherine Dow; and three sisters, Janice Isherwood, Verna Borst, and Nora McElwee.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 14, 2025, at the Stark Memorial Funeral Home, 1014 E. State St., Salem. Family and friends will be received from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 13, 2025, and again on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 10:00-11:00 a.m., at the funeral home. Burial will be at Grandview Cemetery in Salem.

If unable to attend, you may show your support by joining our complimentary "Hugs from Home" program at www.starkmemorial.com/hugs-from-home.

Memorial tributes may take the form of contributions in Bill's name to Salem First Friends Church, 1028 Jennings Ave., Salem, Ohio 44460.

To view Bill's obituary, send condolences or order flowers, visit www.starkmemorial.com.

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