HARRY E. McELWAIN, 87, formerly of Lincoln Street, a longtime resident of
Pittsfield, died Tuesday, June 9, at Hillcrest Commons, where he had resided since
November 2007.
Born in Churubusco, New York, September 29, 1921, the son of Warren and Jean
Premo McElwain, he was educated in New York schools, was a graduate of Philip Schuyler High School in Albany, and attended Indiana Technical School. A World War II and Korean War veteran, he entered the United States Navy in
September 1942, served as a Quartermaster First Class, and was honorably discharged in
June 1951. A roofer and sider by trade, Mr. McElwain was employed by the former Tilo
Roofing, a subsidiary of Reynolds Aluminum, in Pittsfield, and also did private roofing
work. He retired in 2000 after working 50 years.
Mr. McElwain was a past member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Pittsfield.
He collected stamps, enjoyed reading and doing crossword puzzles, and spending
time with his grandchildren.
His wife, the former Mildred J. Shook, whom he married in August 1942, died August 13, 2007.
Mr. McElwain is survived by two sons, Harry E. McElwain, II., of Pittsfield and
Craig W. McElwain of Festus, Missouri; two daughters, Michele McElwain of Albany,
New York, and Cheryl Fitzgibbon of Ventura, California; and five grandchildren, Caryn,
Jacob, Lela, Jason, and William.
He was pre-deceased by a daughter, Karen, who died in infancy.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for HARRY E. McELWAIN, who died Tuesday, June 9, will be
Monday, June 15, at 2:00 p.m., at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemetery in
Agawam. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Mr.
McElwain may be made to Berkshire Medical Center Cancer Research in care of DERY
FUNERAL HOME, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield.