Elmer Cuthbertson

Elmer Cuthbertson, a devoted father, grandfather and friend died at the age of 86 surrounded by his children.   

Elmer was born August 5,1938 in Brooklyn New York.  He was predeceased by his parents Elmer and Evangline (“Pat”) and his brother Jack and sister Patricia.  He attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Brooklyn and the College at Brockport and graduated in 1962 with a BS in Education.  He met his beloved wife Marie in Brockport at a Newman Society picnic in his freshmen year. 

Elmer and Marie were married on September 29,1963 and had four children Louis (Catherine), Mark (Michelle), Eric (Anna) and Keri (Eddie).  Elmer and Marie are survived by eleven grandchildren Molly (Michael), Kelly, Kate, Hunter, Elizabeth, Aidan, Grace, Eleven, Kennedy, Katelyn, and Anna Claire.  

Elmer and Marie raised their children in Huntington, New York where they were both active in religious, civic and sports activities with their children.  During their forty years together, they were inseparable with Elmer taking over cooking duties while Marie pursued her graduate degree in education. They tremendously enjoyed each other’s company and in later years would frequently golf together with their dear friends David and Carol Duffin. 

Elmer had a 30-year career in education administration on Long Island in New York.  He was a principal and director of special education at public schools that focused on the mentally and physically challenged and made a difference in the lives of hundreds of children.  He received many awards for his distinguished service in the field of education.  

He retired in 1995 and enjoyed the rest of his days in Hilton Head and spent time traveling and frequently visiting with his grandchildren.  During their time in Hilton Head, Elmer and Marie were active members of the Port Royal Plantation Club and Elmer was a member/secretary of the Saint Francis by the Sea Parish Council.   

After Marie’s passing in 2001, Elmer married Virginia Calvert Ball Bradley (“Dinny”) and they enjoyed playing golf and traveling the world.  They visited over 50 countries in their 20-year marriage and were together until Dinny’s passing in 2021.  Elmer and Dinny shared their love of travel with their grandchildren and offered each of them an opportunity to travel with them for a week to the location of their choice.  Elmer never missed a chance to watch his grandchildren’s activities whether in-person or by internet broadcast.  

Elmer moved to the Cypress in 2020 and enjoyed an active social life there with many close friends.  He loved introducing his family to them and sharing a meal when they visited at the Clubhouse. He was very proud of his legacy. Elmer lived an incredible life enjoying 29 years of retirement. He will be missed.  

The family would also like to express a heartfelt thank you to the many doctors, nurses, and wonderful caretakers at the Preston Health Center who aided him and them throughout his medical journey.  

A memorial mass will be held on September 20, 2024 at 10 am at St. Francis by the Sea in Hilton Head.  The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life reception in Cypress Hall at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Hospice, St. Francis by the Sea Thrift Shop, or a charity of your choice.