Former RHS teacher Jack Elwood passes away.

I'm sad to report that Jack Elwood, a Ridgewood High School physical education teacher battling Lou Gehrig’s disease for years, died on Sunday at the age of 59.

Students at Ridgewood High School observed a moment of silence on Monday morning after the announcement of Elwood’s death .

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 annual "Everybody Loves Elwood" 5K Walk/Run. Elwood often expressed gratitude at the support he and his family got from the community.

Elwood,was assistant manager at Graydon Pool during the summer months and remained teaching at RHS during the early stages of the disease.

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.

Feeney Funeral Home has a webpage where you can leave tributes, comments, etc. re: Mr. Elwood. Click here.

Everybody Loves Elwood Day October 18

Students and others in our community have come out year after year to show support and raise funds for former Ridgewood High School teacher Jack Elwood. This year the annual 5K run/walk in honor of Mr. Elwood will take place Sunday 10/18. This event is both a fundraiser and a way to bring attention to ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Registration for the 5K is at 8:00 AM and is $20 (includes t-shirt). The run/walk steps off at 9:00 AM at the RHS Stadium/Track.

Click here for the RPS website, for info and registration form.

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