January 8, 1965 — July 26, 2025
Philip Carl McElroy passed away peacefully in his home on July 26th, 2025. Phil was born in Denver, Colorado, on Jan. 8, 1965, to parents Helen Marie Shaw and James Kemble McElroy.
He was a curious child, particularly regarding space and mathematics. He was also a gifted musician from a young age and created the first punk club in Yuma, Arizona, out of his childhood home. He studied physics at Arizona State University, where his work on computer modeling of biological systems was presented at the 1992 Society for Neuroscience Conference in Washington, D.C., as well as to members of the National Institutes of Health’s Mathematical Research Branch.
Phil explored the United States and beyond, from Arizona to Connecticut, and even to Hungary. With the world always as his classroom, he studied art, music, and literature. In particular, his love for absurdist writing led him to develop the Absurdist Monthly Review, a journal and forum for international writers of the new absurdist movement. He was a significant contributor to that movement.
In 1999, he married the love of his life, Eva Leanne McDonald. Their daughter, Lydia Marie, was born in 2005. In Safford, he worked as a web developer for the city and as a freelance programming teacher at the Safford Library. He also assisted in the development of the library’s Science City program. His greatest work was as a devoted husband and loving father.
Phil was preceded in death by his parents, his wife in 2017, and his sister Patricia in 2023. He is survived by his daughter, Lydia, and several nieces and nephews.
Phil was loved by all, and especially by his family. He was a good man.
A memorial service for Phil was held Saturday, Aug 30, in the City Annex, across from the Safford Library, at 11 am. Interment next to Leanne in Cottonwood Creek Cemetery in a private family service will follow at a later date. Instead of flowers, please donate to Southeast Arizona Behavioral Services (SEABHS).”
