Elwood W. Philhower Obituary

Elwood W. Philhower, 81, of Gloucester, MA passed away in his sleep on July 17, 2025, after a bout with cancer.

He grew up in Clifton, New Jersey. He visited often with many family members over the years and attended many a cousins' picnic. He joined the Navy at age 18 and stayed in for 22 years. He served in Vietnam riding small patrol boats called PBRs and later in very large ships. He rode gators and frigates. Most of his career was based in San Diego where he had two children- a boy, Ronnie and a girl, Heather. His last tour brought him to Boston, where he served on the USS Constitution for 2 years. After retirement he was asked to work as a tall ships rigger with the outfit that maintains the Constitution. He met his wife Sue at the Navy yard, with whom he shared 34 years of marriage. In retirement, he and Sue traveled the country and took up golf. He was an avid golfer. He was a fun loving, salty dog and a great storyteller.

In addition to his wife, Sue and children, Ronnie Philhower and Heather Day, Elwood is survived by his second mom, Shirley Philhower; brother, Ken Philhower; and sister, Lois Manella. His son and daughter have two children each. They are Delaney, Savannah, Austin and Brock. There are also many other family members who he leaves behind, too numerous to list here. They continue to have large cousins' picnics in the summertime.

He was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Philhower.

A private military service and burial will be held in the Massachusetts National Cemetery at Bourne, MA in September.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Cape Ann Golf Course on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Hours will be determined in the near future. Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend.

Keep Elwood's legacy alive by donating to a charity in need.