SALEM - Richard D. Ellis, 70, of Peabody, formerly of Salem, husband of Mary J. (Lobao) Ellis, died Monday evening, April 18, 2011 in the Salem Hospital following a long illness.
Born and raised in Salem, he was the son of the late Danforth B. Ellis and Theresa M. (Chouinard) Ellis. He was a graduate of Salem High School in the class of 1959 and graduated from Leland Powers School for Broadcasting.
Mr. Ellis was employed for many years as a Program Director for radio stations. He then worked for many years developing syndicated music formats for use by radio stations all over the World.
Mr Ellis moved to California in the late 1970's where he resided until his return to Mass in the mid 1980's. settling in Peabody.
He was a life long Boston sports fan, but his heart belonged to the Red Sox. He was a great husband, father and a very proud grandfather who enjoyed following the lives of his grandchildren.
Besides his wife, with whom he shared 48 years of marriage, he is survived by two sons and daughters-in–law, Daniel and Maria Ellis of Topsfield, David and Elizabeth Ellis of Los Angeles, CA, one daughter, Cynthia Ellis and her fiancé, Santiago Angel of Peabody, 6 grandchildren, Amanda, Daniel, Adam, Marianna, Cody, Taylor, 3 brothers, Ralph P. Ellis of Peabody, Danforth B. Ellis Jr., of Cincinnati, OH, Charles M. Ellis of San Francisco, CA, 2 sisters, Marie D. Gesnaldo and her husband Michael of Pelham, NH, Theresa M. Ellis of Hamilton, and several aunts, nieces and nephews.
His funeral service will be held Tuesday, April 26, 2011 at 10 am in the Full-Spychalski Funeral Home, 84 Washington Square East, by Salem Common, Salem. Visiting hours are Monday, 4 to 7 pm. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Burial is in St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. For those who desire, donations may be made in his memory to the American Diabetes Association, 330 Congress St. 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02210. www.diabetes.org. For on-line guest book, visit www.SalemFuneral.com.