>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 Jack 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, 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.
