Elliott N. Otis ’57

An engineer turned real estate executive, Elliott died Oct. 5, 2024.

He came to Princeton from New Trier High School, majored in civil engineering, and joined Cap & Gown. His extracurricular activities included membership in the American Society of Engineers, work on the Campus Fund Drive, and participation in Air Force ROTC. Senior year he roomed with Bob Kent, Rusty Melges, Jack Snell, Dick Sparks, and Mike Stewart.

Following graduation, Elliott worked briefly as an engineer in Indiana before spending three years with the Air Force in Samsun, Turkey; and San Antonio, Texas, attaining the rank of first lieutenant. He returned to work as an engineer for Ideal Roller Co. in Long Island City, N.Y. He married Jane Dielhenn, a graduate of Colby College, and they had two children, Wendy ’88 and Marcia.

Returning to Illinois in 1971, Elliott became a commercial Realtor, first with Strobeck, Reiss & Co., then with Cushman & Wakefield, and finally with his own firm, Otis Realty Group. An Eagle Scout, Elliott was an avid outdoorsman. He also served on the vestry of St. James the Less Episcopal Church, on the board of the Anti-Cruelty Society, and as a docent for the historic Glessner House in Chicago. A devoted Princetonian, he was president of the Princeton Club of Chicago, an interviewer for the Schools  Committee, and a member of the Class of 1957 Caring Committee.

Elliott is survived by his wife of 60 years, Jane; and their two daughters and their families.