Donald Ellis Sr.

Donald H. Ellis Sr., 82, of Hanson, MA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted partner, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, and a man whose life was defined by quiet strength, steady presence, and deep care for his family and the communities he loved.

Don built his life through hard work, integrity, and service. He began his career as a pipefitter at the Quincy Shipyard and went on to become a licensed plumber and licensed builder. Over the years, he held leadership roles including Mechanical Manager at Plymouth Rubber Company, Facilities Manager at Harvard Medical School, and Assistant Director of Engineering at South Shore Hospital. In the 1980s, he formed ELKO Construction Corp., where he built and developed properties across the South Shore, always taking pride in doing things the right way.

Don believed strongly in giving back. In his earlier years, he served as an on-call firefighter in Hanson and participated in Muster events. He later continued his service as a long-time member of the Hanson Planning Board, sharing his practical knowledge and steady judgment to help guide the town he loved. He and his family were summer residents of Saquish Beach for 22 years, a place that held special meaning to him, where he also served as a board member of the association.

Outside of work and community service, Don found joy in simple pleasures. He loved being near the water boating, fishing, and lobstering. He had a soft spot for animals and took great joy in his garden, especially when it came to growing tomatoes. These were the moments where he felt most at peace.

Above all else, Don was a family man. He was a devoted partner to Kathy Travers Marini; a loving father to Ann Marie Ellis and her fiancé Bill Dunphy, Donald Ellis (Donnie) and his wife Michelle Ellis; a proud grandfather to Taylor Ellis, Sean Ellis, and Bret Ellis, Meghan Notarangelo, Erin Donahue and her husband Harrison Donahue; and a joyful great-grandfather to Ainsley, Aubrey, and Luke. He especially cherished time with the Ellis family dog, Macie, often found sitting in the grass with her, quietly enjoying her company.

Don never asked for recognition or praise. He simply showed up, again and again, because that’s what he believed fathers do. He wanted his family safe, happy, and supported, and he gave them that through his presence, his patience, and his unwavering heart.

Don will be remembered for his devotion to family, his service to his community, his strong work ethic, and the calm, steady presence he brought to the lives of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

Visiting hours in the Sullivan Funeral Home, 2 Maquan St. Cor. Rte. 14 & 58, Hanson, on Thursday, February 12th from 4-7pm.

In lieu of flowers, our family asks that donations be made in his memory to the Hanson Fire Department Gift Account.Please mail checks to:Hanson Fire Department Memory of Donald Ellis505 Liberty StreetHanson, MA. 02341