John Montgomery Elliott

Known to friends as Jack, Mr. Elliott was born in Silver Creek and attended Silver Creek High School. He started studying music at Fredonia State College, and later received a business degree from the University of Rochester.

Mr. Elliott, of Getzville, served in the Army Air Corps in World War II and earned the rank of captain in the 453rd Bomb Group of the 8th Air Force. He piloted a B-24 Liberator bomber in Europe, and received lessons on flying in tight bomb formation from legendary actor Jimmy Stewart.

Mr. Elliott flew 30 missions over Germany, Belgium and France. His awards included the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

Mr. Elliott moved to Delmar in 1960 but summered on Lake Erie in Hanford Bay, and relocated to the Buffalo area in 2010.

He enjoyed music and played string bass for many years in the Delmar Community Orchestra and the Albany Senior Orchestra. He was a former president and member for 65 years of the Lions Club.

Survivors include his wife, the former Mary Taylor; two daughters, Kathleen McNally and Marilyn Downing; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a.m. Saturday in St. Joseph University Church, 3269 Main St.