John Ellis

John F. Ellis passed away peacefully on August 31, 2017.He was born on September 17, 1929 in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, the son of Robert W. Ellis and Ruth Bell. John was known for his quick wit and colorful stories, bringing laughter to his family and friends.

He graduated from The Technical High School in Springfield, MA in 1948 and entered the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, graduating in 1952. He served proudly in the USCG for 20 years, retiring as a Commander in 1972. He spoke fondly of his years in the service, sharing stories of sailing on the USCGC Eagle, serving on the USCG Cutter Campbell and his year as the Commanding Officer of the Murder Point Loran station on the Island of Attu in Alaska. He was stationed at the USCG Marine Inspection Office at Battery Park in Manhattan from 1964 until his retirement. After leaving the service he worked for Ira S. Bushey & Sons and then for Travelers Insurance, retiring in 1989.

John was a warm and loving husband, father and grandfather. He was predeceased by his wife Ninon. He is survived by his daughters Joanne Manno and her husband Richard, Susan Ellis Schwab and her husband James and four grandchildren, John Manno, Richard Manno, Samantha Schwab and Matthew Schwab.

Our death is not an end if we can live on in our children and the younger generation. For they are us, our bodies are only wilted leaves on the tree of life. – Albert Einstein