Larry Alan McElhinney, 69, of Hilliards, passed away June 18, 2016 at Butler Veterans Hospital.

Larry was born June 17, 1947 in Grove City, he was the son of the late Robert "Mac" McElhinney and Doris McClelland McElhinney. 

Larry attended Victory Joint School before graduating from Franklin High School in 1966.  Larry was very athletic, he participated in various activities including gymnastics.  He played baseball in the Boyers Little League and a Pony League in Grove City.

Larry enlisted in the Army in October of 1966.  This started his lifelong military career.  He attended basic training in Fort Jackson South Carolina then transferred to  Fort Gordon Georgia to receive training in Communication and Security.    Larry was stationed in Germany with the 69th USA Missile Detachment prior to deployment to Stratcom Facility DaNaang Vietnam in May of 1972.  Larry was with the 57 Signal Battalion in Fort Hood Texas in May of 1972, the 5th BU Gair Defense Artillery in May of 1974 in Baumholder Germany, USACC-MOW Fort McNair Washington DC, USACC, Saudia Arabia in April of 1980, USAISA CO Torii Station Okinawa Japan in September of 1984.  Larry also worked for Defense Communications Agency in the Pentagon at Washington DC as Communication Operations Chief.   Larry retired from the Military March 31, 1989 from the Pentagon as a Master Sergeant.   

Larry received numerous  medals and acknowledgments including Expert on the M-14 joint service Commendation Medal, National Defense Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal and Army Good conduct medal just to name a few.

Upon retiring from the military Larry moved back to his hometown and began working at George Junior in Grove City.   Larry then began working for US Office of Personnel Management on  June 23, 1990 for the  Federal Investigations on June 7, 1996 his position was transitioned over to USIS.  Larry retired from USIS as a date transcriber June of 2009.

Larry's passions in life included his grandchildren and watching them in all of their activities which filled his heart with joy.  He was there biggest fan and supporter, they could not ask for a better Grandpa Mac.  He watched baseball and enjoyed playing a game of softball with his family and friends.  Larry was a avid Pittsburgh fan, proudly supporting his Pirates and Steelers.  In his down time he would take trail rides on his bike and would always pack a picnic.  Spending time with his family would usually happen over breakfast where lots of laughs and good conversation took place.  Larry had a sharp sense of humor which his family will miss dearly. All in all Larry was a very generous and humble man.   His sense of honor and good will to others will  be carried on in his children and grandchildren.

Family left to cherish his memory is Larry's  wife Ginny Boyles, his son Jeffrey A. McElhinney of Florida, his daughter Tricia A. Hoffman and her husband Clinton of Clintonville, his son Terry Nischik and his wife Jessica of Emlenton.  His beloved grandchildren Ayman C. McElhinney, Mackenzy G. Hoffman, Emily H. Hoffman, Morgan J. Nischik and Eden J. Nischik.  Sisters Roberta "Bobbie" Cook of Harrisville and Lori Bonanni  of North Carolina, brother Ron McElhinney of Harrisville and a sister in law Peggy McElhinney of Harrisville.

Loved ones that welcomed Larry into heaven were his parents and his brother Mike McElhinney.  

Family will receive friends at the Larry E. McKinley Funeral Home, 109 Emlenton Street, Clintonville Wednesday June 22, 2016 from 2-4 and 6-8.   The funeral service will take Thursday June 23, 2016 at the funeral home at  11:00 am with the Rev. Kenneth Hughes officiating.

Interment will take place at National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Bridgeville PA.

Friends can send condolences by visiting www.mckinleyfuneralhome.net  

Family suggests memorial donations be sent to a cancer society of one's choice or the V.E.T.S. Honor Guard, Box 137, Franklin PA 16323.  

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