He was born in Boston, Mass., on Dec. 1, 1940, a son of Thomas E. Sr. and Gloria Martin Elliott. He grew up in Portland and attended St. Dominic’s Sacred Heart School and Cheverus High School, where he was a member of the swim team.
Thomas joined the U.S. Navy at age 16, telling them he was 17 at the time so he could enlist. He served in the Navy for 24 years, with two tours in Vietnam, and retired on Dec. 31, 1982. He was awarded the Purple Heart as well as other medals and accommodations. After retiring he worked for the Town of Brunswick for 20 years.
Tommy dedicated his time and talents to the Disabled American Veterans working at the VA Hospital and transporting veterans to and from their medical appointments. He worked tirelessly helping veterans receive their benefits and helping to raise funds to purchase a van to transport veterans.
He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans; Veteran Affairs Voluntary Service at Togus; Purple Heart Association; American Legion Post 4 in Gardiner; Veterans of Foreign Wars; Fleet Reserve Association; Knights of Columbus in Brunswick; and was a member and Past Exalted Ruler at Brunswick Lodge of Elks and spent many hours collecting money and toys for the Santa Claus Fund on their behalf. He also dressed up as Santa Claus for many of these occasions to bring joy to the children. Thomas also participated in the Toy Run for the Polar Express.
He is predeceased by two sisters, Gloria Honey (Elliott) Berry and Ann Marie (Elliott)
Haley.
Surviving are his wife, Karen Furbish Elliott of West Bath; five children, Tommy Elliott of Portland, Timothy Elliott of Manchester, N.H., Kerri Lynn Elliott of Ft. Meyers, Fla., Todd Elliott and his wife, Ellen, of New Hampshire, and Patrick Elliott of Greenville; two stepchildren, Eric Schutt and his wife, Brenda, of Woolwich, and Shawn Schutt of West Bath; two brothers, James F. Elliott of Naples, Fla., and William M. Elliott of Ft. Meyers, Fla.; two sisters, Carol (Elliott) Abbott of Trumbell, Conn., and Dorothy (Elliott) Rodney and her husband, Paul, of Portland; nine grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many close friends and colleagues.
Visiting hours will be 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 22, at David E. Desmond & Son Funeral Home, 638 High St., Bath, where an Elks service will take place at 11:45 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at noon.
Burial will be at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Augusta. Memorial contributions may be made in Tommy’s memory to American Legion Post 4, 46 Griffin St., Gardiner, ME 04345.
To express your thoughts and condolences with the family, please visit www.desmondfuneralhomes.com.
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