Theodore H. Elicker

Theodore H. Elicker of Downingtown, formerly of York, died Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Chester County Hospital of complications from acute myeloid leukemia.
Born January 22, 1948, in York, Pennsylvania, Ted was the son of Harry M. Elicker and Ruth A. (Laughman) Elicker. A 1965 graduate of William Penn (York) High, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Penn State University in Mechanical Engineering in 1969, where he was also a member of the fraternity Alpha Sigma Phi. In 1983 he continued his studies and became a licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) in Pennsylvania, Louisiana, and California.
Throughout his career as an engineer, Ted worked with many local, national, and international firms including General Electric, Allis Chalmers, St. Onge Ruff, The Facility Group, CMC, Westphalia, Griffco, and, finally, his own company, First Capital Design, LLC, from which he never really retired. He was a member of ASME (the American Society of Mechanical Engineers) and ASHRAE (the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers) as well as AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association).
An avid licensed pilot since 1980, Ted owned and piloted several airplanes over the course of his life including a Seneca, a Cirrus, and, finally, his dream plane, the Piper Aerostar. He always enjoyed beating highway traffic jams by flying himself to his destination, whether for business or pleasure, and his children and grandkids all benefitted from many speedy and luxurious trips to and from their colleges. For the record, a single-manual harpsichord will indeed fit into a Cirrus.
In addition to building nuclear components, hydro-electric dams, and automated refrigeration storage facilities, Ted also designed and built the Elicker family home, "Solace", an A-frame on almost 10 acres of serene, wooded land in Conewago Township where he lived for over 40 years. With a koi pond, pétanque court, and architectural herb and perennial gardens, this oasis of beauty became a place of refuge, especially after the tragic death of his son, T. Sean Elicker. It was also a place of great joy, however, where Gretchen and Jochem were married, the grandchildren played, and many delicious meals were consumed on long summer evenings, surrounded by fireflies and accompanied by the sounds of the cicadas.
Ted was a voracious reader possessed of an insatiable curiosity about everything, a fierce intellect, a razor-sharp wit and tongue, and a passion for learning. He loved loyally, drove his cars recklessly (but was always a complete gentleman in the skies), had strong opinions about music (Scott Joplin, yes, Bela Bartok, hard no), and enjoyed his vodka and unbaked chocolate-chip cookie dough. He was an inveterate gearhead who could fix, build, or make a workaround for anything, and he was also an excellent and dedicated lap-swimmer, logging a mile daily in the pool at the York YMCA for many years. No Papa will ever be a better or more theatrical reader of Richard Scarry books to his grandchildren.
Ted is survived by his daughter, Gretchen and her husband Jochem Dekker (York), his grandson Noah and wife Hali (Red Lion), his granddaughter Sophie (York), his sister Linda Kenee (York), and his partner Linda Peduto (Downingtown) as well as cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his son, T. Sean Elicker (2000) and his wife of 49 years, Holly (Boileau) Elicker (2016).
Funeral services are scheduled for 2 PM on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at St. John Episcopal Church, 140 North Beaver Street in York with Fr. Eric Hillegas officiating. The James J. Terry Funeral Home of Downingtown is assisting with the arrangements. Family and friends are invited to stay after the service for a reception in The Commons at St. John's to share memories and celebrate Ted's amazing life.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: The YMCA of York, 90 North Newberry Street, York PA 17401 or Good Works, P.O. Box 1441, Coatesvile, PA 19320.