Search by Name

Search by Name

Max Gellert Obituary

Max E. GELLERT Max E. Gellert, 84, passed away April 27, 2012 in Seattle, Washington. He was born in Prague, Czechoslovakia and was a long time resident of Seattle. Max graduated with an SB in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1948 and an MS from the University of Pennsylvania in 1951. For many years until his retirement in 1993 he acted as CEO for Eldec Corporation. Max was active with many philanthropic and community organizations. He served on a number of their boards and committees including those of the Seattle Opera, MIT and the University of Washington. Max was predeceased by wife Natalie in 1982, wife Carol in 2002, daughter Anne and sister Elinor Barber (Bernard). He is survived by children; Ruth Jackson (Darrell), Vicki Dodge (Mark), Chris Pilgrim, CiCi Pilgrim (MK Wright), Charles Pilgrim; grandchildren, Aaron Thacker (Dawn), Max J. Gellert (Jessica), Heather Gneiting (Shawn), Dalton Jackson, Trista Pessara (Edwin) and Charlee Pilgrim; great grandchildren, Henry Thacker, Jack Thacker and Maverick Gneiting and siblings, Robert Gellert (Rosa), Bridget Lyons (Bob) and Donald Gellert (Elaine Koss). There will be a celebration of Max's life at 3:00 Thursday, May 3rd at The Rainier Club, 820 Fourth Avenue, Seattle. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Seattle Opera, P.O. Box 9248, Seattle, WA 98109.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Seattle Times from May 1 to May 3, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Max Gellert

Not sure what to say?





lauren hudgins

April 25, 2021

Many years have come and gone i now have 4 great grandchildren..we sit and look at photo's..the little ones look but Dionne & Rachel remember bits and pieces and hubby had the pleasure of meeting you. days of yesteryears start reminiscing over desserts..in my heart always.love & miss you..lauren and family.

Heather Gneiting

May 25, 2012

Dear Grandpa,
You were the most amazing man i ever knew, you were so much fun to go with to Prague, Italy, and London with. If it werent for you i probably never wouldve ever been able to go. If it werent for you i wouldnt have the love of opera that i do. We all miss you dearly please say hi to Grandma Carol and Grandma Natalie for us i love you and will never forget you! Dont worry the family misses you but we know your in heaven smiling down on us all. Love your grandaughter, Heather

Lauren Hudgins

May 19, 2012

My Uncle Max was a man full of robust and adventure, kind and gentle. A laugh so strong. I remember our hike up Mt. Rainier and the lunch with my cousins by the stream. His visits to Florida and Baltimore few but memorable. We would email back and forth, I was a Guardian ad Litem in North Carolina so we had some nice conversations about that. To Ruth and the rest of the family we have lost a great man who will be remembered by all as a Gracious and Generous person who has made a difference in many lives..

Terry Byington

May 10, 2012

I knew Max for nearly 30 years. He was a truly kind and generous person. A true gentleman. I will miss seeing him at the opera and Seattle Chamber Music Festivals.

Doochan Han

May 7, 2012

I have received scholarship for MIT from Max, and his help made all the difference in my life. He was truly a wonderful man, and I enjoyed his company a lot. He was extremely generous and giving, and his life is an inspiration in itself, and I do hope one day I could follow his footsteps and become a philanthropist like he was.
I am truly saddened by the news, and my heart goes out to his family and friends, and I thank Ruth for letting me know of his passing..

Janet Sears

May 4, 2012

I was on the Seattle Opera trip to Houston with Max just before he died. I didn't know him well, but always enjoyed seeing him, and will miss him. My thoughts are with all of his family and friends.

Bruno Vogele

May 4, 2012

I had the privilege to work for Max at Eldec and got to know him well while travelling with him on many business trips. All our customers loved to see Max because he was genuinely interested in understanding their business and made sure we provide them with the best product and service. Our travels to Europe typically included a weekend and, as you would expect, our leisure time was always well spent. I will never forget our trip to Munich, Germany, when we decided to spend the weekend skiing in Kitzbuehl. We had a great time exploring the many slopes at this great Austrian ski resort. After a long day of skiing I suggested to also try the only lift we hadn't been on yet. Max reluctantly came along only to find ourselves on top of the mountain in the fog. As we started downhill we also realized that we were on a sheet of ice. I found out quickly that this was not at all to Max's liking and I spare you the one-way conversation we had all the way down! The next day we visited our customer, the Airbus Military Division. After the meetings we were invited to tour the prototype Eurofighter in its advanced final assembly stages. This was a treat for us, and Max's curiosity was well rewarded, except by now we fell about one hour behind our schedule, knowing that we still had to drive about 100 miles to our next hotel. But right then Max spotted the flight simulator which peaked his interest. The customer, reading Max's mind, got the simulator team to set it up for Max to fly it, while I tried to make sure he is aware that we have run out of time. With this added pressure Max promptly produced a crash landing, which ruined his day! By now, I was really worried whether I would still have a job. Our last stop on this memorable trip was in Zurich, my home town. Fortunately, it gave me a chance to redeem myself by giving Max a tour through the old town, visit the Kunstmuseum and end the evening attending The Magic Flute at the Stadttheater.



We are fortunate to have known Max for so many years. He will remain very alive in our memories, and we will miss him thoroughly.

Diana Henke

May 2, 2012

Truly one of the nicest, most gracious people we have had the pleasure to know. We will miss you Max.
The Henkes
Don Diana Alyssa Andi

Jim O'Neil

May 2, 2012

Gellert Family,

My Dad was a member of Everett Golf and Country Club and played golf with your Dad on many occasions. One that comes to mind was in 1984 for the GTE Pro-Am tournament, in which they won their match. I was a caddy that day and will never forget your Dad's round. He was on fire and carried the foursome on the back side with several pars and a couple birdies. He was a true gentleman and job creator for our community. Our sincere sympathy to each of you.
God's Speed.

Freya Skarin

May 2, 2012

I shall miss Max's wonderful smile at EVERY music performance. He remains a beautiful unusual powerful influence upon all those who knew him in life.

Warren Buck

May 2, 2012

Thank you Max for your unwavering support of University of Washington, Bothell!

Wilma & Wayne Engstrom

May 2, 2012

We will miss this gentleman who was so passionate about every aspect of life.

May 1, 2012

Max was a great leader, CEO and "All around person". My heart felt thoughts go out to his family.
Becky Faris

Andrea Gorzell Hickey

May 1, 2012

Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Gellert's friends and family.

- Friends at Manhattan Theatre Club

Cody Hiatt

May 1, 2012

Max Gellert was a great man who provided exceptional leadership to the founding and growth of ELDEC Corporation. His legacy lives on in ELDEC's culture which makes it distinct from the other aerospace companies. My heart goes out to his family. Please know that he had a profoundly positive impact on those whose lives he touched.

Dave Larson

May 1, 2012

Thank you, Max, for 15 years of employment at ELDEC.

Margee Webster

May 1, 2012

Making Chocolate Chip Cookies in honor of Max today.

Cristi Benefield

May 1, 2012

Max was a dear friend to so many across campus, including the UW School of Music. His bright smile, kind heart, and passion for all things opera will forever inspire our students, faculty and staff. We will miss him more than words can express. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his beloved family.

- From all of us who loved Max at the UW School of Music and UW Music Advisory Board

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

Make a Donation
in Max Gellert's name

Memorial Events
for Max Gellert

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

How to support Max's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Max Gellert's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more