Tom Elliott

Subject: SACA web site
From: xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Fri, June 20, 2014 10:27 am
Subject: Passing of former SACA president Tom Elliott

Message: I'm writing to inform you of the death of my father, G. Thomas Elliott ("Tom", long-time member and former officer of SACA. The Club meant a great deal to my dad and I thought you would like to be informed of his passing.

Below is a copy of a draft of his death notice which provides more information. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

George Thomas Elliott (€œTom), USN (retired), long-time resident of Deerfield, passed away peacefully after a brief final illness at age 97 on June 20, 2014 in Arlington Heights, IL. He was born December 26, 1916 in Union Star, MO. Following his graduation from Union Star Consolidated High School in 1934, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy, and in 1936 received a fleet appointment from the Secretary of the Navy to attend the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. He graduated from the Academy in 1940 and served on several ships during World War II, notably the USS Enterprise (CV-6).

Following the war, he remained in the Navy as a career officer, retiring with the rank of Commander in 1960. Following his naval retirement, he pursued a civilian career with Fansteel, Marathon Electric, John Deere, and for many years at Abbott Laboratories in North Chicago, IL, until his second retirement. Mr. Elliott was a long-time member, lay reader, and former warden of St. Gregory'€™s Episcopal Church in Deerfield, IL; a former member of the Masonic Lodge in Deerfield, IL; and a long-time member and multiple international office holder of the Steam Automobile Club of America, last serving as President of that organization.

He is survived by his devoted children: Jean Elliott (Jeff Weiner); Constance (John) Palermo; Scott Elliott (Cynthia Cheski); Nancy (Christopher)Curtis; and by his loving grandchildren, Chester and Faith Curtis. Mr. Elliott was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 65 years, Dorothy Fuller Elliott; by his parents, Charles Scott Elliott and Rachel Adams Elliott; and by nine older siblings and their spouses. A memorial service and interment will be held [date] at [time] at St. Gregory'€™s Episcopal Church, 815 Wilmot Rd., Deerfield, IL 60015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Gregory's Episcopal Church."



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 07/07/2014 07:35AM by Scott Finegan.

June 24, 2014 Tom Elliott was always a professional person. He did a lot of work, was even-tempered, and had the best interests of the club in mind. One could tell from how he acted that he was both an engineer and a product of Annapolis. Things had to be done right and the order of command followed. When I was drafted to be president following him I spent several days at his house going over club files, business, records, and history. He was very careful about club monies and book keeping. At the time Tom Elliott was club president the tradition was for the president to be the treasurer, membership secretary, and Bulletin editor, all at the same time. He was most proud that he had taken over a club that was out of money and left with $30,000 in the kitty. It is still there as no one dared to spend it while he was watching. I asked Tom E. many times for thoughts on how to run club business after he retired and he always deferred, saying that he was no longer in charge and would do nothing to interfere. I know that he had firm opinions about many things, but he was always the gentleman and the follower of the chain of command, never voicing any opinions. As with all of us he was going to make a steam car. To that end he had purchased a little Chevy Sprint, one of the Suzuki three cylinder models as I recall, with the goal of converting it to steam. When he had the time he also had a weak heart and thus did not get it done. The last time I saw him was at John Wetz's funeral. He drove there himself and we had a very nice visit with John and Ada's three daughters. My hope is that we can carry on his example of professionalism and civility in the club. Tom Kimmel

Here is a link to the online Obituary.

[www.kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com]