Thomas Francis McElligott, Jr., 96, of Billerica, MA died peacefully at home Monday, February 4, 2014. He was surrounded by his loving family and his devoted wife of 69 years, Alice. He is survived by four children: Judith Foley of Billerica, Thomas McElligott, III of Carlisle, Michael McElligott of Billerica, and Jane McElligott of Rhode Island, their spouses: Edward, Terry, Patricia, and Michelle; four grandchildren, Michael Foley, Mary Donaghey , Jill McElligott, and Elizabeth McElligott; and one great grandchild, Brandon Donaghey. Thomas was born in Billerica and graduated from Howe High School, Class of 1935. He pursued his mathematics degree at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, MD, where he graduated with highest honors and was a standout athlete on the baseball team. He also played on several semi-pro baseball teams during the summers. He also received a Master’s Degree from Boston University. He was inducted with his brother into the army in 1941 and accepted into an Officers' Training School to study meteorology at New York University and he served as a Captain in the Army Air Force during World War II. Shortly after D-Day in 1944, he was sent into France where he established a weather station and issued weather forecasts to support planes and troops moving to the front. He came home for four days in August of 1944 to get married the love of his life, Alice R. Byrne of Sandwich, MA. He then returned to France for another year. Thomas held teaching positions at Manter Hall School, Lowell High School, and Lowell Technological Institute (now University of Massachusetts Lowell) where he was appointed Professor of mathematics. Following his retirement, he started a pension appraisal business that is being carried on today by his grandchildren. Always an active athlete, “Papa” won medals in the Massachusetts Senior Olympics while in his 80’s and was inducted into the Billerica Athletic Hall of Fame. “Papa” had a strong love for sports both playing and watching but, above all, family was most important to him. “Papa” will be greatly missed.