Gordon "Mac" McElhatten

Gordon Joseph McElhatten, 78, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024 from complications related to pneumonia. 

Gordon, or “Mac” to all who knew him, was born in Kenton, Ohio on May 28, 1946. He was adopted at an early age by Herman and Mary McElhatten of Eastlake, Ohio. 

Mac was an industrious and hard-working young man who would go on to join the United States Navy at the age of 17. During his proud and patriotic 22 years of service, he traveled the world as he served on nine different submarines and ships, completed his education, and started a family - all before returning home to Ohio and retiring in Cleveland.

Not one to sit still for very long, he would soon after begin a second career as a plant engineer with Coca-Cola Foods for 12 years.

A beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many, he excelled at Sunday breakfast, stayed active through competitive bingo games, and lived for his family. He is remembered by those who love him as the man who could fix anything and who always had a story to share from his service in the U.S. Navy. A devoted Catholic, Mac was a member of the Saint Gabriel parish in Concord, Ohio.

He is survived by his daughters, Eden McElhatten (Brian Fricky) and Brandi McElhatten; sons, David McElhatten (Jenn) and Sean McElhatten; granddaughters, Beatrix and Madeline, and grandson, Maverick. 

He is preceded in death by his devoted wife, Linda Marie McElhatten, and parents, Herman and Mary McElhatten. 

Family and friends are requested to meet for Mass of Christian Burial on Tuesday, September 24 at 11 a.m. at St. Gabriel Catholic Church (9925 Johnnycake Ridge Road, Concord, Ohio). Burial following with Military Honors at All Souls Cemetery in Chardon Township. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Gordon at the DeJohn Funeral Home & Celebrations Center of Chesterland (12811 Chillicothe Road) on Monday, September 23 from 4-8 p.m. 

The family asks that in lieu of flowers or gifts, contributions be made to K9s for Warriors https://k9sforwarriors.org/ .