Ellis Goodwin Whitehead

Born on April 29, 1951, Ellis was a man of great intelligence, curiosity, humor, and heart. He loved politics, history, spirited conversation, and sharing what he knew with others. He believed deeply that success was not about status or possessions, but about helping others grow, think more clearly, and become stronger in character. Professionally, Ellis was deeply respected for his intelligence, judgment, and extraordinary command of his field. Early in his career, he earned the distinguished Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. He built a long and distinguished career in the energy insurance industry with deep expertise in energy and property risk management. Over five decades, he held senior leadership roles at Energy Insurance International (EII), Aon Natural Resources property group, Alliant Insurance Services, and Lockton Companies, where he most recently served as Managing Director of Energy Property.

He was trusted for his steady judgment, deep knowledge, and ability to bring clarity to complex problems. Work was never just a job to him. It was one of the central ways he engaged with the world. He never retired, continuing to mentor, teach, advise, and share his knowledge generously. For Ellis, one of life’s greatest satisfactions was helping others think more clearly, understand risks more wisely, and grow in confidence and character. Many who worked with him remember not only how much he knew, but how willingly and thoughtfully he shared it, and how much they enjoyed talking with him along the way. He approached life seriously when it mattered, but he also brought humor, energy, and a memorable spark to the people around him. He loved a good conversation and was never happier than when a discussion became lively, thoughtful, and just a little bit competitive.

Ellis touched many lives over the years. He grew up in Huntington, New York, where friends remembered him as bright, athletic, musical, and kind, with a warm presence that stayed with people across decades. They recalled neighborhood ballgames until dark, school bands, wrestling, tennis, and the sound of Ellis practicing his trumpet on summer evenings. Those who knew him young remembered the same energy, warmth, and lively spirit that stayed with him throughout his life. He was also a proud graduate of Syracuse University, and he carried a lifelong loyalty to the New York Giants and the Yankees.

To his family, he was a father and grandfather who cared deeply about showing up for the people he loved. He worried about being too busy for his kids and kept lists to make sure he spent time with each of them. Those small acts of intention became lasting gifts. His children remember puzzles around the kitchen table, stories and laughter, his attempts at cooking, his presence at games and events, thoughtful advice over lunch or a beer, and family trips filled with skiing, travel, long conversations, and laughter. He was, by family consensus, nearly impossible to beat at Boggle and Scrabble. Ellis was devoted to staying fit and active throughout his life and never met a class he would not try at least once. His quick wit, deep curiosity, and steady presence meant so much to his family, and time spent talking with him is among the things they will miss most.

Ellis is survived by his wife, Katrina Hayles-Whitehead; his brothers, Chip Whitehead and Bob Whitehead; his children, Jim Whitehead and his wife Jennifer, Janette O’Sullivan and her husband Mike, and Elizabeth Whitehead; his stepson, Jammil; and his beloved grandchildren, Tim, Rachel, Rebecca, Caitlin, Ciaran, Emma, and George.

He will be deeply missed and always loved.

A visitation will be held at Memorial Oaks Funeral Home on Friday, March 13, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 2:00 p.m. A reception will follow from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.