David S. Ellis

DAVID S. ELLIS , age 74, of Warren Road, Ithaca passed away Saturday, March 26, 2011 at the Cayuga Medical Center after a lengthy illness. David was born March 16, 1937 in Ithaca a son of the late Harold and Florence (Bower) Ellis. Dave grew up in Dryden and attended Dryden schools. David was retired, after 34 years employment, with the City of Ithaca DPW where he was a Supervisor of the Paint Shop. He was a Past President of the CSEA and a member and Past President of the Trumansburg Rod and Gun Club. He enjoyed the out-of-doors, camping trips to Canada and was a dedicated fisherman and deer hunter.

His hobbies also included taxidermy, archery, NASCAR, watching Syracuse basketball, Animal Planet and American Pickers. Most of all “Papa” enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and family members. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Elizabeth M. Rasch Ellis at home; his daughter, Cynthia (Robert Webb) Ellis of Lansing; a son, Robert (Leila) Ellis of Kenneth City, FL; beloved grandchildren, David M. Ellis, Joshua Ellis, Katelynn Webb and Melissa Webb; siblings, Richard (Jane) Ellis, Charles (Barb) Ellis, Ronald (Laura) Ellis, Stanley Ellis, Flossie Pesu, Judy (Ed) Parker, Joyce (Frank) Griep and Joan (Alan) Tuttle. Many extended family members, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive. He was predeceased by a daughter, Renee Ellis, a son, David S. Ellis, Jr.; siblings, Robert Ellis, Ruby Newhart and Beatrice Oplinger Lower.

A celebration of David’s life will be held at 3 PM Saturday, April 9, 2011 at the Perkins Funeral Home with Rev. David H. Nicholls officiating. Burial will be in Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Ithaca. Friends are invited to call Saturday from 2 to 3 PM at the funeral home, 55 West Main St., Dryden, NY. Memorial donations may be sent to hr Tompkins Co. SPCA, 1789 Hanshaw Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. www.perkinsfuneralhome.com