Robert A Elliott

    Robert Allen Elliott, age 80, of San Marcos, CA, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on June 10, 2026.  Bob was born on September 1st, 1945, in Los Angeles, CA, the youngest child and only son of Thomas and Connie Elliott.  He spent his childhood around Griffith Park and graduated from John Marshall High School in 1963.  He had many fond memories of his high school days and loved attending the reunions and commenting each time the school appeared in a film.

    Bob went on to attend Cal State Northridge before volunteering to serve his country in the Vietnam War.  He served two tours, earning the rank of SP-5 and receiving the Bronze Star.  Returning from the war, he returned to Los Angeles, where, in his words, “he made the best decision of his life,” and married Janice Thacker of Atlanta, Georgia.

    Together, Bob and Jan moved to San Diego, where they shared 53 years of marriage.  They raised their family of three children, traveled widely, and were involved in the Carlsbad community.  Bob’s career in San Diego spanned half a century of sales in the plumbing and construction industries, as well as in computer software and security.

    Bob always said he had a fortunate turn in his life after recovering from colon and prostate cancer.  This event changed his life; he became a regular attendant of Alcoholics Anonymous.  He was blessed to meet a best friend and sponsor, John.  Over 27 years of sobriety and working the twelve steps, he was allowed to receive support and to provide sponsorship to other individuals in the program.  This gave him a remarkable sense of purpose and contentment.

    Bob was known for his love of fast cars, large televisions, and good grilling.  He had a genetic condition passed down from his mother’s side for random purchases off the television and online purchases of questionable utility, value, or actual usage.  Bob’s large heart and generous soul crossed species lines with his affinity for animals, which tended to congregate around him at events and gatherings.  His full-throttle driving techniques were passed down to at least one of his surviving children, as evidenced by their insurance premiums.

    After retirement, Bob could not sit still between “Law and Order” reruns and used his energy to restart the San Diego chapter of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD).  He worked for 10 years in San Diego with various school districts, law enforcement agencies, and the district attorney to provide narcotics awareness, education, and Narcan outreach programs.

    Bob is survived by his loving wife, Jan, his three children, and seven grandchildren.  He was a loving and devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather.  He spent many years providing rides across generations to surf spots, donut shops, comic book shops, gymnastics meets, soccer practices, and school pickups.  Bob is additionally survived by his extended family, the Espinozas of Sacramento, who his eldest sister, Shirley, preceded him in death.  He is survived by his sister, Betty Prior, of Texas.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 1st, 2026 at Miramar National Cemetery at 11 am, a second service will be held on July 11, 2026  at 699 N. Vulcan Ave. Encinitas, Ca 92024 at 12pm . 

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