Father, Grandfather and Educator

Charles Daniel (Dan) McElrath was an incredible Father, Grandfather and Educator who dedicated his life to teaching and building up everyone around him. Whether in the classroom, church or with family or friends, Dan was always teaching, listening, and sharing experiences in the kindest and gentlest manner. He will be forever remembered for his love of family, our Lord and all those he encountered.

Dan passed very peacefully on Sunday February 9, 2024 in State College, PA at the age of 87.

Dan was born on February 11, 1937 to the late James R. McElrath, Sr. and Ethel R. Baylor in Berwick, PA.

Dan attended Dickenson College for his Bachelors in Science, Western Maryland College for his Masters and Doctorate Studies. Dan worked for the Washington County Board of Education (WCBE) for nearly 40 years starting out as a science teacher in the late 1950's and was one of the first TV science educators in the State of Maryland. Over this vast period he devoted his life to being an educator. Dan grew into various administrative positions (VP and Principal of Boonsboro Middle School) and Math/Science supervisor for WCBE. Dan was always reading, teaching, and sharing with everyone via letters, emails, and text. He believed you should never stop learning and he was an ardent example of this belief in his own life.

Dan is survived by his son, Dennis C. McElrath, wife Kathy Ann K. McElrath and grandchildren, Ava Kimie, Charles Christian and Hugh Eric McElrath of State College, PA, Kyle Batton of Georgia and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his two brothers Robert (Bob) McElrath and David McElrath and grandson Ethan James McElrath.

Dan found so much joy being with his grandchildren, attending church, and socializing with friends. Dan was an avid runner completing the Marine Corp Marathon, Run for the Diamonds, and numerous races. He loved the outdoors and spent much of his retirement biking, kayaking, and volunteering with the C&O Canal Association. He always greeted others with a Big Smile, a Hug, and had the "Gift of Gab" Dan was active at the Benevola United Methodist Church while he lived in Boonsboro, Maryland for over 50 years. Dan traveled frequently to Hawaii to visit family and spent his finals years in State College, PA with his family and Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church brothers and sisters.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 8, 2025 at Halfmoon Christian Fellowship Church, 1776 Halfmoon Valley Rd., Port Matilda, PA. The visitation will be from 9:00am to 11:00am. A Service will follow from 11:00am to 12:00pm and reception immediately following from 12:00pm – 2:00pm.

In lieu of flowers please donate on behalf of Charles Daniel McElrath to the American Lung Association (https://action.lung.org).

Arrangements are entrusted to the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com