David L. Elliott

David L. Elliott passed away on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the age of 68 from pancreatic cancer.

Dave was born on February 6, 1946 in Springfield, Ohio to the late Louis and Emily Elliott. At the age of five, he contracted spinal meningitis. His doctors had predicted he wouldn’t last past the next morning, but no one told Dave. He reminded us for the past sixty-three years that “Reports of his death had been greatly exaggerated.” Dave began his association with Mogadore Christian Church in 1953, when his family moved to Mogadore. The church provided many friendships and fond memories. He remained an active member until his recent illness.

Dave worked at the Tallmadge Center (Weaver Workshop) for 34 years. He loved doing piecework, and would tell anyone who was interested how many pieces he had completed on a particular day. In his younger days, he participated in Special Olympics track. More recently, he was an active member of the Chime Choir, Employee Council, and People First. His friends at the workshop meant a lot to him. Dave had many interests. Big band music, baseball (especially the Orioles and Cardinals), puzzles, collecting cassette tapes, CD’s and DVD’s, and scorekeeping MLB games on TV were only a few. He had a dry sense of humor, and he loved to say he was an original baby boomer. He will be missed.

Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Emily Elliott; he is survived by his sister, Leta (Richard) Urycki; nephew, Erik Urycki; nieces, Jennifer (Josh) Stewart and Kristin (Will) Dages; and other relatives and friends.

The family would like to thank Dave’s physician, Dr. Samir A. Makati, for his excellent care. The family would like to express its genuine thanks to the Hospice of Summa and Altercare of Cuyahoga Falls for their kindness and exceptional care during Dave’s last weeks. The family would also like to express its gratitude to REM of Ohio for providing residential services to Dave for many years. Many thanks also to Michele Dolensky, Joe Di Franco, and the staff at the Tallmadge Center for the countless work opportunities and social activities provided to Dave since 1980.

There will be no calling hours. A private graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Mogadore. Memorial donations in Dave’s name may be made to Hospice of Summa, 1077 Gorge Blvd., Akron, Ohio 44310; Mogadore Christian Church, 106 S. Cleveland Avenue, Mogadore, Ohio 44260; or Tallmadge Center Employee Council, 630 North Avenue, Tallmadge, Ohio 44278.