William “Bill” John Ellis, 70, of Bridgewater, NJ passed away on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at his daughter’s home in Franklin, MA.
Bill was born August 23, 1947 to William and Julia (Gruber) Ellis in Bronx, New York. He graduated from All Hallows High School Bronx, NY in 1965 and from the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, ID in 1969. Bill was in the Air Force ROTC while attending Notre Dame and upon graduation was commissioned as a first lieutenant; retiring as a captain in 1972. He continued his love of education, graduating from Rutgers University, Newark, NJ with a Master’s Degree in Business in 1976. On September 6, 1975 he married the former Sharon Vazquez in Mendham, NJ.
Bill worked in the pharmaceutical industry for over 20 years, focused on marketing. He was an avid sports fan, and a particularly fervent fan of his dear Fighting Irish. Bill found great enjoyment in reading anything he could get his hands on, this love of reading was second only to his love for his wife, children and his six grandchildren.
William is survived by his wife of 42 years Sharon, daughter Ashley (George) Papadopoulos, son Michael (Amanda) Ellis, son Bradford (Melanie) Ellis, son Craig (Dana Pizzi) Ellis and many loving grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. William was a loving father, husband, grandfather, uncle and friend to all.
A Memorial Visitation will be held at the Doyle Funeral Home, 106 Maple Ave., Morristown, NJ on Friday from 4-8PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of both Captain William J Ellis (retired) USAF and Captain Stanford H. Shaw III may be made to Marine Raider Foundation www.marineraiderfoundation.org or mailed to PO Box 2018, Temecula, CA 92593-2018.
Local arrangements are under the care of the Charles F. Oteri and Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St.