elbrick died april 15, 1983, aged 75, at georgetown university hospital in washington, d.c. his funeral was held at st. matthew's cathedral, washington d.c. his obituary in "the new york times" described him as "a tall, slender man of suave demeanor in exquisite suits...[who]...showed dash and bravery in moments of crisis". "the washington post" recorded that "he was tall, meticulously dressed and soft-spoken. colleagues said he looked like a diplomat, but one of them, the late ambassador james w. riddleberger, was quick to add, [elbrick] has plenty of guts. he is a very sturdy fellow."