Jim Elsner

James (Jim) Elsner, 103, beloved husband of Dorothy (Ferris) passed away peacefully on November 2, 2022. He was born on April 11, 1919, in his family home on Prospect Avenue, in Hartford, CT to the late Judge Solomon and Carolyn (Segalla) Elsner. Jim graduated from Roxbury (Cheshire) Academy in 1937 and attended Hobart College. Jim met, and married, Dorothy while working as the Credit Manager at G. Fox Department Store in Hartford, CT, under the management of the historic Beatrice Fox Auerbach (a family friend). Jim continued his credit expertise with Society for Savings until he retired when he was 72 years old. Jim’s greatest passion and accomplishment was serving his country. Lt. Colonel James E. Elsner was a pilot in the United States Air Force, with full-time service in WWII, continuing as a member of the Connecticut Air National Guard until retiring in October of 1971. Besides his wife of 72 years, Jim leaves behind his son Charles A. Elsner (wife Susan Biren), daughter Mary Moss (husband Michael); grandchildren Michael Moss Jr. (wife Laura Moss), Kimberly Moss, Robert Moss (fiancé Jamie Alexander), Emily Elsner (husband Joseph Reiner), Kathryn Moss, and Theodore Elsner; great-grandchildren Michael III, Gabriel, and Daniel Moss; many nieces and nephews; along with a plethora of cherished friends. He is preceded in death by his son James E. Elsner Jr., his daughter-in-law Mary Anne (Monroe) Elsner, three brothers Morton A., Allan S., and Robert Elsner. Jim was a devoted husband to his wife Dorothy, driving to visit and bring her treats every day at the Hebrew Health Center. Up until the day he died, Jim was always thinking about taking care of Dorothy. Jim also read several papers every day and was active in following the stock market. Another passion for Jim was his swimming. He swam six days a week until he was 97 years old. Jim was extremely generous and dedicated to his immediate family and extended family of friends, helping to pay for college tuition with a yearly gift, taking people out to breakfast, dinner, or inviting them to the Guard social events to share his joy of serving his country. Included in those friends were Jim’s caregivers. The Elsner & Moss families would like to extend their appreciation for the wonderful care Jim was given over the past years. Please join the family in honoring Jim during calling hours on Wednesday, November 9th from 4 pm – 7 pm or during a brief service on Thursday, November 10th starting at 11:00 am both at the Molloy Funeral Home 906 Farmington Ave. W. Hartford, followed by a graveside interment with full military honors at Fairview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the West Hartford Food Pantry or Boxes for Boots.org. For online expressions of sympathy please visit www.molloyfuneralhome.com