Raymond Elliott

Raymond Thomas (Tom) Elliott of Cumberland, Maryland went to be with his beloved son and parents on July 2, 2020. He passed at UPMC Western Maryland.  Tom was born on June 14, 1935, to J. Raymond and Madeline C. (Collins) Elliott in Cumberland, Maryland.

Tom graduated from St. Peter’s Catholic School in Westernport, Maryland in 1953.  During his youth, he was very active in the Boy Scouts Troop 30, a talented artist, and served as an altar server at St. Peter’s Catholic Church.  He attended Potomac State College and graduated from Shepherd College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology and Chemistry. He earned his Master’s of Science Degree in Guidance and Counseling from Frostburg State University (FSU). He completed additional graduate work at the University of Idaho and the University of Maryland College Park. He truly enjoyed learning and continually challenged himself. Tom also served in the U.S. Army Reserve, 992nd Ordnance Company until his honorable discharge in 1962.

Tom began his teaching career at Elk Garden High School where he taught science and was an assistant coach for both basketball and track.  In 1963, he began teaching biology at Fort Hill High School and was also an assistant coach for the football, basketball, and track teams.  During the summers, Tom worked at New Germany and Deep Creek Lake State Parks as a naturalist. In 1976, Tom transitioned from the classroom to serve as a Learning Coordinator offering both instruction and facilitating job training for students. He later served as Supervisor of Vocational and Technology Education in addition to being the Principal of the Career Center. Tom was instrumental in creating the Allegany County Technical Education Foundation which, among other things, created a home building program that allowed students under the supervision of both building professionals and teachers to construct homes throughout Allegany County. This experiential initiative provides students with valuable career knowledge. Tom’s commitment to students expanded beyond the classroom. He cared deeply that every student has the best possible educational experience regardless of economic or social background; his decisions were always based on what was best for the students.

Tom was a member of the Allegany County Teachers Association (ACTA) where he served as President. He served on the Executive Board for the Maryland State Teachers Association (MSTA) and he served on the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee for the National Education Association (NEA). His participation with the NEA led to a visit with President Jimmy Carter to discuss national education issues. His commitment to these organizations and the students of Allegany County resulted in numerous awards including Technology Education Association of Maryland’s Technology Supervisor Excellence Award, Technology Award of Distinction; NEA Mid-Atlantic Region Elected Leader of the Year Award and numerous other awards. Tom served as an elected member of the Allegany County Republican Central Committee. After his retirement from teaching, he worked as a realtor for Workmeister Realtors Coldwell Banker, took classes at FSU, and became very involved in his grandchildren’s lives. He enjoyed watching the Baltimore Orioles, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the West Virginia University football and basketball teams.

He was a devout member of Our Lady of the Mountains Parish (St. Mary’s). Tom was a life member of both the 3rd Degree Knights of Columbus Council 586 and 4th Degree Member of Chief Justice Taney of the Knights of Columbus, where he served as Past Faithful Navigator.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his beloved son, Thomas R. Elliott.  Tom is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Grace Louise (Schwinabart) Elliott, his daughter-in-law Tammy (Hoskins) Elliott of Morgantown, WV.; Daughter, Tamara (Elliott) Lowry and husband David of Frostburg, Maryland and son James F. Elliott and wife Jennifer (Michael) Elliott of Cumberland.  Tom is also survived by his grandchildren whom he loved more than anything Lucas Lowry and friend Jewelein Stevenson, Collin Lowry, Cecilia Elliott, Marisa Steiner, Carson Steiner, Grace Elliott, and Sawyer Elliott. His love for his family was great. He enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s sporting and school events, he will remain their biggest fan. He would always tell those close to him, “Say a Hail Mary it will be alright.”

Those wishing to pay their respects will be received at Boal Funeral Home, Westernport, on Sunday, July 5 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a,.m. Monday, July 6 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church with interment at Philos Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, WV Chapter, Riverwalk Corp. Center, Suite 441, 333 East Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA 15219