Jeffrey Shaw Eldredge

Jeffrey Shaw Eldredge, 72, passed away after a life rooted deeply in Cape Cod, sustained by lasting friendships, hard work, and passion. Born May 5, 1954, in Cherry Point, South Carolina, while his father served in the Marines, to Marilyn (Shaw) and Donald F. Eldredge.  Jeff was a lifelong Cape Codder who divided his years between his beloved hometown of Chatham and his later home in Dennis. He married Frances Drapeau on April 15, 1978, beginning a loving friendship and devoted partnership that endured for 48 years. 
  A hardworking small-business owner, Jeff owned and operated a local carpet-cleaning company. Outside of work, his lively interests and steadfast commitment to his community helped define him. 
  Jeff had a lifelong passion for automobiles. Over the years, he assembled several car collections and became a familiar, enduring presence at shows throughout Cape Cod. His interest began in school with a 1947 Dodge, followed by a Hudson Hornet, a Studebaker, a Pontiac GTO, and others. His most prized car was a 1988 Monte Carlo purchased by Fran new as a Christmas present in 1987, which he kept in mint condition with very few miles; it frequently won awards at local car shows. 
When they were not enjoying cars, Jeff and Fran often stayed at the Backlash camp in the first village, exit 7, on North Beach, where they always welcomed friends and family. Jeff especially loved hosting gatherings and grilling his signature “Goose Pond Cut”—an exceptionally thick steak cooked perfectly rare and named by his grandfather, Leo V. Eldredge.  Fran would prepare gourmet quality meals with whatever the cupboards provided that became the envy of the first village residents. Although the camp was lost in 2007 after the New Cut opened, the memories Jeff made there with his closest friends are an indelible legacy for the family. 
   Continuing a proud, multigenerational family tradition, Jeff was a devoted Mason who rose to serve as Master of the Lodge. He and his good friend R.W. William Hammatt were proud members of St. Martin’s Masonic Lodge in Chatham and became known throughout the region for skillfully conducting Masonic installations at lodges across Cape Cod along with Walter Ripley. 
   Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Frances Eldredge, of Dennis. His passing was predeceased by his parents Donald F. Eldredge and Marilyn S. Eldredge and his beloved nephew Joshua K. Stello. He also leaves behind his sister, Jennifer Stello, married to Robert K. Stello of Chatham and their daughter Brianna Stello of Charleston SC, and brother, Leo V. Eldredge II, married to Susan K. Eldredge of Chatham and their daughter Hannah L. Eldredge of Manass, VA., and son Nathan J. Eldredge, married to Macy A. Eldredge, and their sons Leo and Ezra Eldredge of McKinney TX. He is also missed by a tight-knit circle of lifelong friends who became like family over the years. 
   A Masonic Service will be held at a later date.