Elliott Stanley Guttman

Guttman, Elliott Stanley, of Ann Arbor passed away on March 2, 2013. He was 87. He was born in New York City on February 26, 1926, the only child of Sidney and Helen Guttman. Elliott served in the U.S. Navy and was honorably discharged in 1946. Elliott earned Bachelor degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Management Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1948, and a Master degree in Mechanical Engineering from Columbia University in 1949.

Elliott moved to Ann Arbor in 1960 with his first wife, Joan (Freid), and three young sons. He was employed by Bendix and Conductron Corporation where he held positions of Senior Engineer and Chief Mechanical Engineer. In 1971 he was hired by St Joseph Mercy Hospital as the Director of Engineering. In 1973 he was named the Project Director for the new hospital complex on Huron River Drive. Elliott assumed the position as Vice President of Facilities, Engineering and Construction for Catherine McAuley Health system in 1978 and oversaw the operation and development of their facilities. The Health System honored his legacy and contributions when he retired in 1991 by naming one of the main roads on campus “Elliott Drive”.

Elliott was involved in many national organizations dedicated to the improvement of hospital safety. He joined the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) in 1972, served as an Executive Board member of the Health Care Section from 1981-1985 and was the National Chairperson of the Health Care section of the NFPA from 1991-1992. Elliott testified on behalf of health care and hospital engineering before the U.S. Senate and House committees and received a Personal Recognition award from the American Society of Hospital Engineers in 1991.

Elliott enjoyed music and had a large collection of jazz recordings which he donated to WEMU. He was a lifelong stamp collector and enjoyed all summer and winter sports. When his sons were young he volunteered as a Scout leader, assisted in coaching various sports teams, and could be seen in the stands supporting his children and grandchildren. In his retirement years Elliott and his wife, Carol (Goldberg), loved exploring the world. Their travels took them to Europe, the Caribbean, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, the Alaskan Glaciers, the Amazon, South and Central America.

Elliott enjoyed a wide range of friendships which were enlarged by his many charitable and volunteer activities. He and Carol were active in the SJMH annual circus fundraiser for over ten years. He and Carol moved to Atlantis Florida for their retirement years. He taught defensive driver classes for Senior’s in South Florida and assisted in relief efforts when hurricane Andrew hit Homestead, Florida in 1992. He served several years on the Residence Council at The Sanctuary at St. Joseph’s Village.

Elliott is survived by his children: David (May), Jonathan (Melissa) Blau, Paul (Mary), Joe (Anne), Lisa (Jim) Bolognini, Fred (Lawrence Stepney Jr), and Steve (Ann); and fourteen grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and the love of his life Carol (Goldberg). He will be deeply missed by many friends, colleagues and family members. The manner with which he battled Parkinson’s disease over many years reflected the depth of his intelligence, strength, determination, and resilience. A private memorial service honoring Elliott’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Joseph Mercy Hospital are suggested to benefit the construction of the new Outpatient Surgery Center. Visit www.muehligannarbor.com to share memories of Elliott’s life.

The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff and residents at the Sanctuary at St Joseph’s Village and Arbor Hospice .