Elza Hamilton Minor Jr. died peacefully at his home in Salinas, Calif. on March 21. He was 82.

He was born on Dec. 30, 1940 to Elza Hamilton Minor Sr. and Dr. Ruth Hurd Minor in Jersey City, N.J. In the 1960s he attended the University of Iowa, where he played football.

He received his master’s degree from Occidental College and had a 50-year-long career in business development. He loved football, lacrosse and movies.

He also loved traveling to Martha’s Vineyard, where his family vacationed every summer. The Minor family owned several properties in Oak Bluffs, including a house on Pennacook avenue that dated back to the 1800s. His son Rick Minor remembers many social gatherings there, with several of the Island’s top chefs preparing delicious food. His mother Ruth and sister Madora lived on the Island for years prior to their deaths. 

Elza leaves behind his life partner of 24 years, Audrey Boutte; his sons Robert (Rick) Minor and his wife Jenny and Elza Minor 3rd; granddaughters Alexses and Amiyah Minor; great-grandchildren Amiliana and Jace Navarro; and numerous cousins, extended family, dear friends and colleagues.

He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Madora Minor.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 18 at Allen Temple Baptist Church in Oakland, Calif.

Memorial contributions can be made to Amer-I-Can Foundation for Social Change in Los Angeles through the organization’s website at amer-i-cancommunity.partners.