Samuel W. “Bill” McElweePenn Yan, NY

Samuel W. McElwee, 87, of Penn Yan, NY, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester following a short illness.

Born July 16, 1938, in the Town of Milo, NY, he was the son of the late Samuel A. and Esther Ann (Cummings) McElwee Jr. Growing up on the family farm, Samuel developed a lifelong passion for farm equipment. He was widely known for his work selling and setting up mobile homes as the owner of McElwee Sales & Service in Penn Yan, and also offered lawn mowing, backhoe work, and equipment sales, including Snapper lawnmowers, Deutz tractors, and Steiner tractors.

Known affectionately as “Bill,” he enjoyed tractor pulls, demolition derbies, slow dancing, and spending winters in Zephyrhills, Florida, where he loved visiting friends and seeing how the area had changed.

He was an active member of the IH Tractor Club, Penn Yan Loyal Order of the Moose #2030, the Cushman Motorcycle Club, the Steam Pageant Association, and the Yates County Fair.

Samuel is survived by his brother David (Deb) McElwee of Penn Yan; sister Nancy Hockensmith of Cherry Valley, CA; foster daughter Esther Wilson of Newman, GA; nieces and nephews James McElwee, Daniel (Ruth) Hockensmith, Karen Hockensmith, Jeff (Debra) Hockensmith, Joseph Hockensmith, Gregory Nelson, and Laurie Nelson; and longtime friend and helper Sara K. Hansen of Penn Yan. He was predeceased by his sister, Doris Jean Nelson.

At the family’s request, there will be no calling hours. Inurnment will be private at Lakeview Cemetery, Penn Yan, NY.

Arrangements are entrusted to Baird Funeral Home, 36 Water Street, Dundee.