March 14, 1940 – Aug. 14, 2022

Thomas Bingham Alcott, age 82, residing in La Crescenta, passed away on Aug. 14.

Affectionately known as “Bing,” Thomas was born on March 14, 1940 in Charleroi, Pennsylvania. He grew up on his family homestead in Denora, Pennsylvania. He was an active young man and played Little League and high school football ­– it was his football talent that landed him a scholarship to San Diego State University. His family packed up and moved across the country leaving their homestead behind to pursue new dreams in sunny California in 1958 where he began working to help support his family. Bing was the oldest of seven surviving children.

He enlisted in the Navy with his best friend Ernie and attended radar school in 1962; he cruised the West Pacific on various destroyers and cruisers as he served as a radar operator for the admiral’s staff. He received many honors during his time in the military; his most prized honor was his Presidential Unit Citation from President Kennedy. He then went on to work for 29 years as an operations manager for a construction equipment manufacturer. He was a leader of men, always respected, liked and loved; customers still maintained a friendly relationship with him even after his retirement in 1998.

In 1963 he married his best friend’s sister and the love of his life, Dene. They went on to have three wonderful children and lived a beautiful life together.    

Bing lived a full life. After his retirement, he pursued his many interests and hobbies. He was often found working in his garage where he built two hotrods, restored antique-pressed steel toys and restored pedal cars (which were widely favored by his many great-grandchildren). He enjoyed car shows, swap meets, and time with his family and his many friends.

Bing is survived by his wife, Dene, and their children: Kim and Bob Miller; Mike and Bob. He leaves behind his grandchildren Dustin, Tracy, Shorty (Brandon), Kimmy, and his six great-grandchildren Devin, Madison, Tyler, Hunter, Jase and Jack. He also leaves behind his beloved surviving siblings Pam, Barry, Kerri and Tom.

He was gentle, kind and strong – he will be sorely missed.