Thomas Anthony McElrone, age 84, of Smyrna, Delaware, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 24, 2018, surrounded by his wife and daughters.

Tom was born on February 13, 1934 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of John McElrone and Irene Stilwell McElrone.

He earned his bachelor degree in 1956 from Maryknoll College in Glen Ellyn, IL. He earned his masters degree from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He had a long and productive career with General Electric, in Philadelphia, Clearwater, FL, and Morgan Hill, CA. He then enjoyed his retirement in Williamsburg, VA and Smyrna, DE.

Tom took pleasure in traveling with his wife Jeanne. They have traveled all over the United States. Together, they explored Canada, the Bahamas, Hawaii, China, and Europe. They visited their daughter Susynne in Israel and Turkey and traveled there. They toured Ireland with their daughter Audrey. They also adventured to South America and Antarctica.

Tom enjoyed sharing his Catholic faith by volunteering for the church, leading Bible study groups, and working with couples in the marriage preparation program at St. Catherine's and St. Beede parishes.  He had also made plans this year to lead a Bible study group at St. Polycarp Church in Smyrna. He supported Maryknoll missionary work all his life.

He is preceded in death by his parents and his loving sister Kathleen McVeigh.

He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Jeanette Knoll McElrone, his daughters Susynne McElrone, Noreen Elliott, and Audrey Eisenhauer, son-in-laws Don Elliott and Brian Eisenhauer, two grandchildren Olivia Elliott and Wyatt Elliott, and five siblings, Jack McElrone and wife MaryAnn, Peg Kelly and husband Al Kelly, Sr. Bea McElrone, Irene Andiario and her husband Bill Andiario, and Jim McElrone and his wife Bobbie McElrone. He is blessed with many, many nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff and hospital medical team in the ICU and 2 North wing at BayHealth Kent General Hospital in Dover.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 1st at Holy Cross Church at 631 South State Street, Dover, DE. 19901 There will be a viewing from 9:30 - 10:20 AM in the church, followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 AM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Tom's memory may be made to Maryknoll Fathers and Brothers.

Visit maryknollsociety.org or mail to PO Box 302 Maryknoll, New York 10545-0302.

Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.