Albert Joseph Ellis

Albert “Al” Joseph Ellis passed away March 19, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones, after suffering a sudden and debilitating stroke. The shock of losing such a vibrant and beloved family member and friend has left a hole in our hearts.

Al was born on Dec. 4, 1954, in Detroit, Michigan, to Albert and Cecelia (Reyes) Ellis. He and his three sisters were raised in a loving family with a strong Catholic faith, an incredible work ethic, and were taught the importance of being respectful and kind to everyone, a lesson they saw lived out daily through the example of their parents.

The family moved to Grosse Pointe Woods in 1961. Al attended grade school at Our Lady Star of the Sea and graduated from Grosse Pointe North High School, class of 1973. He furthered his education at Kalamazoo Community College where he studied business. He remained close to many of his grade school and high school friends, some going back as far as first grade. He continued to meet them for breakfast every Sunday for the past ten years.

His strong work ethic, logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and willingness to learn and do whatever was needed to get the job done contributed to the success of every business he was involved in. Whether it was working in the family’s grocery business, Parkstone Market in Detroit’s Indian Village, owning his own milk route, bread route, and expediting service, or working in another part of the service industry, his integrity and attentiveness made him sought after. Clients, colleagues, and customers often became friends.

Al was not one to call attention to himself, although at times he could debate the heck out of a topic. He was incredibly thoughtful and demonstrated that every day by his acts of kindness and in the way he lived his life, whether helping his family, neighbors, or a total stranger.

Al loved his family and any opportunity to spend time together, whether sharing holidays, birthdays, picnics, sporting events, dance recitals, First Communions, or spur-of-the-moment gatherings. He enjoyed being with his friends and neighbors and served on the board of his neighborhood association in St. Clair Shores. He was meticulous about caring for his home and his lawn. And Al had an affinity for cars, especially classic cars and fast cars, including his 1966 Oldsmobile 442 that he bought in high school. He and his sons shared many car shows, and Detroit Grand Prix races through the years.

Al’s humble, genuine, and down-to-earth demeanor, along with his continued generosity and wonderful sense of humor helped him connect with everyone. That was one of Al’s extraordinary gifts. He would tell you that he was “just an ordinary guy.” Those who loved him know that Al was so much more. He touched many and impacted their lives for the better.

He cherished his friends and adored his family, especially his two incredible sons for whom he was so proud of; their wives, Al’s wonderful daughters-in-law; and four amazing grandchildren. They were the light of his life. He loved his three sisters and remained close with them throughout his life. Al was an integral part of his family’s lives and he will forever remain in their hearts.

Al is survived by his sons Albert (Carmie) Ellis, and Andrew (Sarah) Ellis; his four grandchildren Cecelia, Anastasia, Francesca, and Sebastian Ellis; his sisters Cynthia (John) Andrews, Patricia Ellis (Richard Strowger), and Sandra (Matthew) Langan; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Cecelia Ellis, and several other family members.

A Celebration of Life gathering will take place Saturday, April 27, at A. H. Peters Funeral Home, 20705 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods, MI 48236. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by a remembrance service from 2-2:30 p.m. at the same location.

In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully requests donations to the Albert J. Ellis Fund at MIU Men’s Health Foundation to support men’s health awareness and screenings to help save lives.

http://www.miumenshealthfoundation.org/albertellis