David D. Elliott
Aug. 4, 1930-Aug. 6, 2025
Palo Alto, California

David Elliott, beloved father, grandfather, and friend passed away peacefully on August 6, 2025. He was born in Los Angeles, California, and his early life revolved around education, photography, and experiencing theater through his mother, Millie, who was a stage actress in Pasadena. After graduating from Stanford University with a B.S. in physics, he completed his PhD in high-energy nuclear physics at Caltech, as well as post-doctoral study in space physics at the University of Paris.

He met his wife, Arline, over the bridge table at a singles mixer at Lockheed Missile and Space, Co., in the Bay Area, where she was a legal secretary, and he was a research scientist. After their wedding in San Francisco, they relocated back to Southern California where David worked at The Aerospace Corporation and daughter, Laurie, was born. In 1970, he was selected for the role of scientific advisor to the National Aeronautics and Space Council in Washington, DC, and later the Director for Science and Technology, Executive Office of the President.

Upon return to the Bay Area in the late 1970s, the family settled into Menlo Park where David continued his career as a VP of Engineering at SRI International, as well as an administrator of the JASON group, and a member of the executive committee of the Army Science Board. Arline was a loving partner, “house manager”, and volunteer during this time. As a family they loved to frequent Stanford football games and hosted regular pre-game tailgate parties with friends for years.

David was a true foodie, and he and Arline traveled extensively, making friends wherever they found themselves. One of their pastimes, besides bridge and food, was watching professional tennis, which took them to France, Australia, and Indian Wells. David’s favorite experience as a grandparent was hosting his grandchild during summer breaks at their second home in La Jolla. He was intrigued by the collection of beach shells and creatures that Allison presented to him at the end of each day.

After formal retirement, David continued to contribute his national security policy knowledge at Stanford University as an affiliate of CISAC where he collaborated with others on papers, research, and a book. Although widowed just before COVID, he relocated to Vi Palo Alto where he enjoyed the vibrant social life and the food. David is survived by his daughter, Laurie Elliott Croft, son-in-law Steve Croft, and grandchild, Allison Croft, as well as many friends, all of whom he cherished deeply.