Obituary of John R. Ellis

John R. Ellis, 94, of Cortland, died peacefully at his home in the presence of his family. Born on November 13, 1921 in Altmar, NY, John was the oldest son of Hollis C. and Naomi M. Ellis. He grew up on a farm in Oswego County and enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing and participating in the Boy Scouts, rising to the rank of Eagle Scout. During World War II, John worked at the Glen L. Martin airplane factory in Baltimore as a foreman and later at General Electric in Syracuse. In 1949, he graduated from Oswego State Teachers College with a degree in Industrial Arts education and began his teaching career in Williamsburg, Virginia at the Matthew Whaley School. In 1951, he returned to NYS to teach Industrial Arts at Homer Central School, which he continued to do with great effectiveness until his retirement in 1983. Countless Homer students learned the basics of woodworking, printing, metalwork, electricity and ceramics from Mr. Ellis. For a number of years, John headed the adult education department at Homer schools and also trained over 50 Oswego State student- teachers to become Industrial Arts instructors. For over 10 years, John worked for the Broadhead Garret Company during the summers, helping set up Industrial Arts departments in many school districts across the North East. While teaching in Homer, John met fellow teacher, Muriel Whitbourne, whom he married in 1953. Together they raised two daughters and between them taught over 50 years in Homer. John lovingly cared for Muriel until her death in 2009 from Alzheimer’s disease. John is a 60 year member of the Masonic Lodge # 352 in Homer and of the First Presbyterian Church in Cortland, where he served for many years as both a Deacon and Elder. He enjoyed playing poker and golf and was a long standing member of the Cortland Country Club. Attending Syracuse University basketball and football games were his favorite pastime. John and Muriel were long-time season ticketholders at the Carrier Dome, traveling up and down snowy Route 81 to attend games for over 25 years. John was predeceased by his sister, Evelyn LeRoy of Cortland and brother, Willard Ellis of Altmar. John is survived by his daughters, Eileen Bianchi (Joseph) of Bainbridge, NY and Evelyn Rybaltowski (Thomas) of Greenwich, NY; Four grandchildren and two great grandchildren: John Bianchi of Binghamton, Amy Henchey (Matthew) of Alexandria, Virginia, Rebecca Rybaltowski of Queens, NY, and Sarah Rybaltowski of Greenwich, NY, and Melody and James Henchey of Alexandria, Virginia. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Frances Ellis of Altmar, NY and several nieces and nephews, as well as dear friends, Sandra Attleson, Carl and Jane Edlund and Lum Cooper, all of Cortland. For the last two years of his life, John was lovingly cared for by Tara Ferro as well as Selinda Morenus, Neil Rawson and Larry Rawson. John’s family cannot thank his caregivers and friends enough for their dedication to his happiness and well- being. Calling hours will be held Sunday from 5-7 pm at the Wright- Beard Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held 10:00 am Monday at the United Presbyterian Church 25 Church St Cortland. interment will follow in Glenwood cemetery Homer, NY Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made in John’s memory to Hospicare 172 E King Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850 To offer online condolences , visit www.wright-beard.com