Harry Elwell III's Obituary
Harry Elwell, III, age 85, went home to be with the Lord on April 12, 2024. Born and raised in Somers Point, New Jersey to Harry Elwell, Jr. and Anna Elwell, he was an only child.
As a young man, Harry spent many days playing and caddying on golf courses down the South Jersey Shore. In those days, Harry often spent time with his father, an accomplished golfer in his own right that competed against the likes of Arnold Palmer. After his father’s sudden passing when Harry was 16, Carroll Rosenbloom, the then-owner of the Baltimore Colts, helped Harry secure an athletic scholarship to the University of Maryland. Following Harry’s graduation from Ocean City High School in 1955, Harry competed on Maryland’s golf team. On summer breaks during college, Harry would return home to Somers Point to work. During one of those summer vacations, in 1958, Harry met the love of his life, Nancy. Harry and Nancy married in December of that same year and remained married until Nancy’s passing in September 2014. After college, Harry embarked on a decorated career as a banker. Early on in his banking career, Harry demonstrated prodigious abilities in the accounting department of First National Bank of South Jersey (formerly Boardwalk National Bank). At age 33, Harry became a vice president of the First National Bank of Absecon (FNBA) in Absecon, New Jersey. Harry held a variety of roles at FNBA, eventually serving the bank as its President, Chief Executive Officer, Chairman of the Board, and as a Senior Advisor. Along the way, Harry completed postgraduate studies at Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University and at New Jersey Bankers Public Relations School at Princeton University. During a nearly 48-year tenure that officially came to an end in December 2019, Harry oversaw the bank’s growth and success through prosperous and challenging economic times. Harry also had the honor of serving on the Board of Directors for the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia from January 1998 to December 2000. Harry was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. A tireless worker, Harry was the proud owner of the greenest lawn in his neighborhood. During his free time, Harry loved playing basketball, riding bikes, and walking the Ocean City Boardwalk with his family. Harry also enjoyed — but more often endured — watching his beloved Philadelphia Phillies and Flyers. Most importantly, Harry was a voracious reader of scripture and most recently read the entire Bible within the last year of his life.
Even into middle and old age, Harry was youthful. Well into his 70s, Harry could be found playing tennis and games of “H-O-R-S-E” with his grandchildren. And Harry was a generous man whose love language was undoubtedly acts of service for others.
Harry was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Nancy Elwell, and is survived by his son, Harry Elwell, IV, and his daughters: Theresa Abouras, Karen Kahn (James), and Kimberly D’Aquilante (Michael). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Tamer Abouras (Rachel), Kaitlin D’Aquilante, Jacob Kahn (Hannah), Caleb D’Aquilante, Katherine Kahn, Ethan D’Aquilante, and Nathan Kahn.
A follower of Christ, Harry was an active member of the churches he attended throughout his life. Until his passing, Harry remained a faithful giver to his church and to those he saw in need. Whether the gift was monetary or the opening of his home, Harry gave without condition or hesitation. Harry’s parting verse was his favorite, Matthew 11:28 (NIV): “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Our family will always carry Harry’s memory and generous spirit in our hearts. To honor Harry’s memory, please consider gifts to Samaritan’s Purse or The Salvation Army.
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