Wayne I. Elliot

North Hampton - Wayne I. Elliot, age 95, passed away at his home in North Hampton on Sunday, June 30th, surrounded by his loving family. Wayne was born July 17th, 1928 at Portsmouth Hospital, son to Alzena (Leavitt) and William Elliot. His mother’s family, the Leavitts, were direct descendants of Thomas Leavitt, a founding father of the Town of Hampton in 1638. Wayne grew up on Dearborn Avenue, known then as Shoestring Alley. After graduating from Hampton Academy and High School in 1946, where he was vice-president of his class, he attended Duke University for 2 years. There, he was a member of the baseball team, coached by Jack Coombs, a former major league baseball pitcher. He finished his college education at the University of New Hampshire, and also took graduate classes at Keene State and Plymouth State Universities. Wayne started working at the age of 13, renting beach umbrellas at Hampton Beach, and from there, became the assistant baggage master for the B & M Railroad at the Hampton Depot. Working for the late Harry Carter, he mastered the trades of stone masonry, brick layer and plasterer. He was also a reporter and photographer for the Hampton Union, and president and part-owner of the Elliot Insurance Agency with his father, Bill. Wayne was an English teacher for 25 years at North Hampton Elementary School, serving also as an administrator for 19 of those years. In addition to his teaching and administrative duties, he served also as the baseball coach, started the photography club, was the drama director, and originated the Oratorical Contest, which was named after him and took place for over 50 years, well after he retired in 1989. He was a most beloved and respected teacher. He felt his goal as a teacher was not just to impart the English language and love of literature to his students, but to help prepare them for life, to believe in themselves, and to encourage them to always do and be their very best. As a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church of Hampton, he served in many capacities over his lifetime: choir member, lay leader, trustee, administrative board member and Sunday School teacher. Designated as platoon leader, Wayne was a proud Marine Corps veteran, having served stateside during the Korean War. He served the community youth by coaching various sports, was active with the Boy Scouts for over 50 years, served on many school committees and was a member of the Winnacunnet and Hampton Academy Alumni Board of Trustees, participated with the various Winnacunnet High School sports boosters clubs, and was the Rye Recreation director for several summers. A proud Mason, Wayne was a member of Saint James Lodge #102 of Hampton, the Valley of Portsmouth/Dover Scottish Rite and New Hampshire Consistory. He was recognized by the New Hampshire Council of Deliberation with the Meritorious Service Award in 2006, and was conferred with the 33rd Degree by the Scottish Rite Supreme Council Northern Masonic Jurisdiction in 2015. He was most proud of his work with the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, a Scottish Rite charity equipping students with the confidence and skills to approach learning with eagerness and without fear. He served as chairman of the Board of Governors for the Children’s Dyslexia Center of Nashua and was also instrumental in the startup of the Seacoast Children’s Dyslexia Center located in Rochester, NH. Wayne married Betty McDade, the love of his life in 1950, and they were together for almost 70 years before her passing in 2020. Living first in Hampton, they moved to the home they built in North Hampton in 1960, where they raised their 3 children. Together, they enjoyed gardening, town concerts, birdwatching, spending time both at Wolfeboro Campground and on Lake Winnipesaukee with family, canoeing, reading and attending their family’s sports games and events. They were both members of the 234 Club, having visited all the 234 towns and cities of New Hampshire. Wayne loved to write, and was known for his thank you notes and words of encouragement. He always gave a strong handshake, and encouraged others to do the same. He was skilled at woodworking and building stone walls. He loved his flag and his country, and proudly raised the flag everyday on the pole in his backyard, which he and his grandson erected. He love to salute the flag and sing the national anthem. He loved to recite poetry and read the Bible. He loved his church and his community. He loved riding his lawnmower and being outdoors. Most of all he loved his family. Wayne leaves behind his children: Teresa J. (Elliot) Rezendes of Exeter, NH; Richard W. and Kathleen Elliot of Hampton, NH; and David W. and Rachel Elliot of Northwood, NH. He loved and was proud of his grandchildren: Todd Dunphy and wife Robyn Moreau; Jennifer Dunphy and husband Michael Grant; Michael Rezendes and wife Kristin; Timothy Rezendes; Zachery Elliot; and Alexandra Elliot; and his great-grandchildren: Ryan-John Scribner and wife Paige; Zachary Scribner; Tyler Scribner; Allison Fitzpatrick; Owen Dunphy; Cameron Dunphy; Marley Rezendes; and Piper Rezendes. He is survived by his sisters: Mrs. Richard (June Elliot) Chevalier and Mrs. Larry (Holly Elliot) Knowles; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Betty; his parents; his in-laws, William and Sybella McDade; his brothers-in-law William McDade and Richard Chevalier; and his son-in-law Richard Rezendes. The family would like to extend its thanks to Rockingham VNA and Hospice and to the Oncology Department of Exeter Hospital, whose representatives gave their loving and devoted care to Wayne. Services (and Wayne’s final Lesson Plan) will be held on Friday, July 12th, at the Hampton United Methodist Church with a Masonic service at 10:30am and a Celebration of Life at 11am. A graveside service will immediately follow at High Street Cemetery, and all are invited back afterwards to the church for refreshments and visit with the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Wayne I. Elliot Scholarship, Winnacunnet Dollars for Scholars, c/o Susan Brooks, PO Box 1593, North Hampton, NH, 03862; Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc., c/o Seacoast Children’s Dyslexia Center, 33 Hanson Street, Rochester, NH 03867; or to Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc., c/o Children’s Dyslexia Center of Nashua, 200 Main Street, Nashua, NH 03060.

Wayne I. Elliot

July 17, 1928 - June 30, 2024