John Albert Eldridge Sr.

John Albert Eldridge was born in Bentonville, NC on April 8,1939 to the late Henry Oliver Eldridge and Velma Monk Eldridge. He transitioned from earth to glory on March 26, 2023. John spent his early years in NC where he adopted an incredible work ethic. His father passed away when John was young, and as the eldest of five children, he stepped up to help provide for his mother Velma and his four younger siblings. It wasn’t easy, but John was determined to be a blessing to his family. John was educated in the North Carolina School System and moved to New Haven in the late 50’s during The Great Migration. Upon arrival in New Haven, John joined his brother William Henry and several cousins as an employee of Yale (Grace) New Haven Hospital. On April 1, 1961, John married the love of his life Tracey Thomas, and to that union was born Dawn, John Jr., Rother, and Glenn Upon leaving Yale, John became an entrepreneur, establishing and operating John’s Cleaning Services for over twenty years. John and his late wife Tracey later owned and operated a variety store on Cedar St., one frequented by students from both Prince St. School and R.C. Lee High School. John later accepted employment at Star Supply Company and Luther Oil Company; working both jobs simultaneously. John loved working with children and devoted many years to coaching and mentoring youth. Upon retirement, he continued to connect with students by accepting a position as a crossing guard for the New Haven Public School System. John was a fun-loving, family-oriented man. He loved sitting in his favorite chair, smoking a good cigar, watching T.V., and enjoying remote control cars with his grandson Travis. John had a joyous heart and met everyone with a smile. He had the ability to make everyone feel special and loved, and he received love and admiration in return. A member of Pentecostal Church of Prayer and Deliverance, John lived his faith and loved the way Christ commanded him to love. John is survived by five children: Gwen Moody, Dawn Skipworth (Cornelius), John Jr. (Chineta), Rother (Stacey), and Glenn (Wilma), siblings Margaret Young (Allen), Barbara Jean Woods (William), a dear friend Zora Denny, His Godson Jordan Dickens, 11 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. John was predeceased by his loving wife Tracey, parents Henry and Velma Eldridge, brother William Henry Eldridge, sisters Dorothy Sanders and Wyona Eldridge. Romans Chapter 8 verse 18 “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is revealed to us."

John Albert Eldridge Sr.

April 8, 1939 - March 26, 2023