Patrick "Buddy" McElroy

Patrick “Buddy” McElroy passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Buddy was predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances; his parents, Patrick and Margaret McElroy; his brother, Eugene McElroy; his sister, Margaret “Peggy” Cavanagh; and his brother-in-law, Joseph Lodispoto.

Born in Astoria, New York, on August 16, 1940, to Irish immigrants Patrick and Margaret (Delaney) McElroy, Buddy was raised in Woodside, Queens, alongside his siblings, Joseph, Peggy, and Eugene.

He attended St. Sebastian Elementary School and William Cullen Bryant High School, later attending the International Data Processing Institute and graduating from Queens College. Buddy began his professional life in 1956 as a part-time operator at Swift & Co. He proudly served his country in the Army Active Reserve for six years, beginning in 1959. In 1966, he joined Equitable Life Insurance in New York. After eventually settling in Pennsylvania and earning the deep respect and admiration of his colleagues, he retired in 2002 after 30 years of service, having reached the position of Assistant Vice President in charge of Output Operations.

During his tenure at Equitable, Buddy built lifelong friendships. He loved fishing, playing golf—serving as the Flintstone Golf League Administrator for 10 years—and sharing a beer at the firehouse. A steadfast friend to the end, he was the person everyone knew they could count on when in need. He welcomed every opportunity for political conversation and took great joy sharing his interest in current events with his grandchildren.

In October of 1964, Buddy married Frances Michalski at St. Sebastian Church in Woodside. Their story began as childhood neighbors growing up on opposite sides of the street. Together, they built a beautiful life defined by faith, commitment, and family, raising three daughters: Doreen Donlick, Deb Biddinger (Allen Biddinger), and Patty McElroy. They shared 50 wonderful years of marriage.

Buddy’s greatest joy was his grandchildren, Nicole Donlick Brodt, David Donlick, and Cameron Collins. He was a fixture at every sporting event, play, recital, and graduation. During his retirement, he and Frances were deeply involved in their daily lives, from school pickups to after-school activities, creating a lifetime of cherished memories for the grandkids.

In addition to his daughters and grandchildren, Buddy is survived by his brother, Joseph McElroy.

A man of great integrity, strength, and character, Buddy led by example. He lived by a firm code of ethics, which he proudly instilled in his family. His quiet strength and honorable nature made him a steady anchor for all who knew him.

A calling hour will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 from 12:30 PM until 1:30 PM at Morello Funeral Home, Inc., 3720 Nicholas Street, Easton, PA (Palmer Twp.) A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, 4049 Hartley Avenue, Easton, PA. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery, William Penn Hwy, Easton, PA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Buddy's name to: St. Luke’s Hospice House, 2455 Black River Road, Bethlehem, PA 18015. Online condolences may be offered at www.morellofuneralhome.com