John H. Ellis Jr.

Ellis- John H. Ellis. Jr. of Baltic, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather died Tuesday July 22, 2014 at his home. He was born April 3, 1936 to John H. Ellis and Grace (Mazgerdian) Ellis in Colchester, VT. He grew up in Worcester, MA. and graduated from South High School and Clark University in Worcester. Even though he was a pleasant, generous, quiet man, he was known lovingly, to his family and neighbors as Grumpy. He never met anyone he didn’t like. He delighted in his children, grandchildren, and great grands, always interested in their pursuits and never disappointed in them. Grumpy didn’t believe there was any bad in anyone. He loved to travel and garden, taking the time to learn all the Latin names for trees, bushes, and plants. He gave away rootling’s, bulbs, and seeds to all his neighbors and friends, always teaching where to plant them and how to care for them. He visited all but 2 of the fifty states and drove all over England, Scotland, and Wales during 6 visits. He lived in Straubing, Germany for the first 3 years of his married life and returned often for vacations. He has been to Russia, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Italy, and Austria for extended vacations. John married his high school sweetheart Lynne 59 years ago. He taught at Brown University and then moved to CT to become a microbiologist at Pfizer in Groton. He leaves his children, Beth Newman and husband Tom of Virginia, Chris Mathias and husband Chester of Florida, and Lee Moody and husband Mark of Arizona. His son Mark R. Ellis predeceased him. He had 5 grandchildren; Eric Newman and wife Tina of Bozrah, CT, Glen Newman and wife Sarah of Virginia, Ryan and Chris Manfredi of Florida and Jonsie Lynne Ellis of Baltic, CT. There are 5 great grandchildren; Spencer, Sienna, Sage, and Eric Newman Jr. of Bozrah and Isaac Newman of Virginia. He also leaves his sisters June Hanlan of Worcester and Karen Thibodeau of Florida and his godchild, Christine Baez of Florida. He has numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends and colleagues who will miss him terribly. Visitation will be Friday July 25, 2014 from 5-8 p.m. at the Church and Allen Funeral Home 136 Sachem St. Norwich. A Funeral Service will be celebrated Saturday July 26, 2014 11:00 a.m. at the Versailles Methodist Church 4 Church St. Versailles CT. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations in his name may be made to the Backus Hospital Oncology Unit 326 Washington St. Norwich Ct. 06360 or a charity of the donors choice. Please visit www.churchandallen.com to leave an online tribute or condolence.