Robert "Mookie" McElroy

Robert “Mookie” McElroy, 76, of Youngstown, Ohio died unexpectedly on Saturday,  February 7, 2026 at the age of 76.                                                                                                                                                                      

Born in Youngstown on June 4, 1949, Robert was the 5th child of Edward Jr & Catherine Glenel McElroy. Growing up as one of the handsome and popular athletic McElroy brothers, Robert was an exceptional Basketball player for Youngstown Ursuline High School in the mid 1960’s. Robert had a fire of grit, determination, and skill. It was his charisma and charm that drew people to him. When Robert was a young man he was drawn to only one woman, Brenda Burt McElroy, the love of his life. Robert & Brenda met in high school. They were married in September of 1987 and were blessed with four children, Robert D., Damond M., Tanita and Maurice.

Robert and Brenda were the very best of friends, they were a team, and they complimented each other, they balanced each other and took care of each other. Robert began his career at Republic Steel and concluded at Roth Bros Roofing. Robert was fun, although he was not fancy or flashy, he had a magnetism about him, and a quiet assuredness. People had much respect for Robert, he was a good decent, generous, and a selfless soul who always wanted the best for others. He loved his children and was very proud of them. He took great satisfaction in his children and grandchildren doing well. He enjoyed sharing stories about his parents and siblings and appreciated the company of friends.  Mookie was a die-hard Pittsburgh and Golden State Warriors fan.

Left to cherish his memories is his wife of 52 years, his sons and daughter in-laws, Robert D. (Trimeca) McElroy, Damond M. (Lilly) McElroy, Francis Cunningham, Ja’Ron Greer; his daughters, Tanita T. McElroy, Melissa Spann, & Michelle Johnson, TaNaysia Greer; two brothers, Raymond McElroy of Yo., Ohio, Ronald “Bunky” (Linda) McElroy of North Charleston SC; two sisters, Catherine “Itsy” (Kenneth) Purfey of San Antonio, Tx, and Deborah “Booboo (Jerald) Gordon of Yo., Ohio; and a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sylvia McElroy; three brothers, Edward McElroy III, John McElroy, and Gary Henry McElroy; and a son, Maurice McElroy Sr.; two grandson, Maurice McElroy Jr. and Moses E. McElroy.

Visitation will be Monday, February 23, 2026 from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 827 Wilson Ave., Youngstown.  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. 

Ministry of comfort entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home.

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