Ellinghaus, William M. April 19, 1922 - January 4, 2022

William M. Ellinghaus, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died on Tuesday, January 4, at his home in Bronxville, NY. William (Bill), who was known for his community service and support of the arts, was President and Chief Operating Officer of AT&T. In 1940, he began his career in the telephone industry as a telephone installer. In 1979, he was named President and Chief Operating Officer when AT&T was at the height of its power. He retired in 1984. Bill was married to Erlaine Dietrich, his high school sweetheart. They were married for 66 years and had 8 children. She died in 2008 at 85. In 2010, he married Ruth Kelly Miller. He is survived by his second wife, his two daughters, Marcia Barone and Barbara Gurne; six sons, Eric, Douglas, Raymond (Chip), Mark, Christopher, and Jonathan; 26 grandchildren, and 25 great grandchildren. Bill’s greatest joy was spending time with his family. He loved gathering everyone together and taking them on wonderful vacations. These included annual Fourth of July celebrations at Skytop, Pennsylvania; barge trips on the canals and rivers of Holland and France; and many summers on the beaches of Ocean City, Maryland and Rehoboth, Delaware. When all the families had packed their cars to go home, Bill would ask each one, “Have you got everything?” and then he would say, “Let me back you out.” These two sentences have become a vital part of Bill Ellinghaus’s family lore. Calling Hours at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, Bronxville between the hours of 4 to 7 pm Thursday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Church, Bronxville on Friday, January 14 at 9:45am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St Jude Children’s Hospital, Tunnel to Towers Foundation, or Wounded Warriors Project.