Michael McElroy

On July 5th 2017, Michael E. ‘Mike’ McElroy of Orleans passed away peacefully at home with his partner and children at his side.

Michael was born on February 4, 1955 in Morrisville and was raised in St Johnsbury.  A true trouble maker, he spent his high school career pulling antics (like running the Headmaster’s VW Beetle up the flag pole!)  He served in the US Army and was stationed in Germany for some of the best years of his military career.  After returning to the United States, he worked for the Railroad and logged for several memorable years.  He loved telling stories of his days on the rail road and loved taking his children to the log landing for adventures.  He spent many years working for VT Tap and Die until their closure when he began working as a flagger for Green Mountain Flagging.  Trella will forever remember the good times they had dancing.

Mike was an amazing father who would do anything for his children.  Fishing and hunting trips will be forever remembered fondly, even though he probably spent more time fixing his kids poles and giving directions than he ever did hunting and fishing on his own.  Mike enjoyed collecting antiques, carnival glass, and lawn statues. He loved hiking trips, camping and berry picking. Foraging for wild foods was one of his favorite past times. He enjoyed auctions and visiting casinos. Planning next year’s trip to Brimfield, Mass. began the day after he returned from the annual trek. Mike lived for chocolate and vanilla twist creamees and would jump into a car the second someone mentioned getting an ice cream.

Mike is survived by his partner Trella Legacy of Orleans; children: Christopher and Ashley McElroy of Concord, Heather McElroy and Art Holden of Island Pond,  Melissa McElroy and Allan Herman of Barton, Jon St. Francis and Charlotte High of Newbury NH, Shannon Geschwindner and Doug Morton of Orleans.

He also leaves behind 17 grandchildren: Cole, Melanie, Dylan, Keith, Emily, Michelle, Katie, Cody, Hunter, Zach, Ruby, Talia, Sven, Cerria, Lea, Melina and Megan; siblings Rita and Frank Christie of St. Johnsbury, Chris and Bonnie McElroy of Fort Mill NC, Donna Ward and Richard of Barnet; nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his parents, Bernard and Pauline McElroy, brother and sister-in-law Patrick and Cheryl McElroy, and sister Diane McElroy.

Graveside services will be held this Saturday, July 15, at 11 a.m. at the William Dexter Cemetery in Sheffield (located off the west of VT Rt. 122).  Anyone wishing to attend is welcome.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation 74 Meadow Lane Richmond, VT 05477.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com.