Here is the obituary:
Jack Elwood, a much-loved Ridgewood High School (RHS) physical education teacher battling Lou Gehrig’s disease, died on Sunday. He was 59.
Students at Ridgewood High School observed a moment of silence on Monday morning after Elwood’s death was announced.
In May 2003, Elwood was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a fatal neuromuscular disease that causes progressive muscle weakness, eventually leading to paralysis. RHS students, coworkers, friends and family held numerous fund-raisers in recent years to help the teacher and his family, including the well-attended annual Jack Elwood 5K Walk/Run. One of the initial fund-raisers was to build a wheelchair ramp at his home in Oakland.
Elwood, who also was assistant manager at Graydon Pool during the summer months, initially remained teaching at RHS in the early stages of the disease, using a wheelchair. At one of the early fund-raisers, Elwood told the crowd that he and his family were overwhelmed by the community’s support.
"More than [the money], it’s your goodwill, the prayers and constant attention that I get. I can’t walk down the hall a day without someone asking me how I’m doing," he said at the event.
Elwood is survived by his wife, Laura, and daughter Tricia.
Visitation will be held at Feeney Funeral Home in Ridgewood on Tuesday, May 4 from 7 to 9 p.m. and Wednesday, May 5 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 6 at St. Luke’s R.C. Church in Ho-Ho-Kus.
Here is a Facebook page which was created to honor Jack Elwood.
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