Frank Ellis Jr.

Frank Anthony Ellis, Jr. passed away Monday, January 25, 2016. He was 80 years old and a 62-year resident of Las Vegas. Frank was born in Clarksburg, West Virginia on September 27, 1935, to Laura (Griffith) and Frank Anthony Ellis, Sr. He moved to Las Vegas in 1953 with his family, where they purchased and operated the Par-A-Dice Inn on Fremont Street. In 1954, he married his high-school sweetheart, Mary Jo (Adams) and started a family. Frank grew to become a very diversified businessman. He entered the gaming business in 1956, working at the Golden Nugget and the Stardust. He then obtained his real estate license, and eventually began to invest in and sell real estate full time. Partnering with long-time friend and associate Ray Hamman, Frank enjoyed a very rewarding career, orchestrating significant real estate deals in Clark County. When asked about his success, he would always say, “In the days of Howard Hughes, all you had to do to make money in the real estate business was get in the way.” Additionally, in 1968, he developed and operated the Village Square Shopping Center, including the original Village Pub, on Koval Lane. But Frank continued to try new things. In 1985, after a short attempt at retiring, he entered the car business. For 15 years, he was the face of Falconi Honda and Acura, starring in his own commercials and building yet another strong franchise. Frank was an idea man. Even after his successful retirement in 2000, he always had plans for new business ventures and projects. He was a past member of the Rotary Club and very active in the Catholic Youth Organization and the St. Viator School Foundation. He loved to hunt and fish, and especially enjoyed spending time at his river property in Washington state. Most importantly, Frank was a family man. Being with his family was his top priority. Every week his family would gather for Sunday dinner, where Frank passed down the stories and traditions of his Italian culture. He is preceded in death by his parents and older sister, Mary Catherine Davis. He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Mary; his children Frank Anthony Ellis III (Patricia), Michele Chausmer (Brian), Gary Elgin Ellis (Cynthia) and Christina Neely; 14 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 3, at Palm Mortuary, 7600 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV 89123. Services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 4, at St. Viator Catholic Church, 4150 S. Eastern Avenue, Las Vegas, NV, 89119. Burial will be private.