Retired Deacon John J. Ellis, Sr., passed away on May 29, 2025, at the age of 79.

He was ordained on June 7, 1998, by His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Peter and Paul, Philadelphia. He was originally assigned to Saint Barnabas Parish, Philadelphia, for sixteen years. His other assignments were Saint Francis de Sales Parish, Lenni, then later on he was assigned to Our Lady of Peace Parish, Milmont Park, where he remained even after his retirement in June 2021.

Deacon John Ellis, Sr., was born on December 16, 1945, to the late Samuel and Hazel (née Burns) Ellis. He was raised in Philadelphia and graduated from West Catholic High School. He joined the United States Navy, where he was stationed on the USS Rich and served as a Radio Communications Specialist. Upon completing his military service, he returned home and began his career at Smith Kline Pharmaceuticals and then moved to Pfizer until his retirement in 2005.

Deacon John Ellis, Sr., is survived by his wife of 60 years, Catherine (nee: Keffer) Ellis. He is also survived by his three sons, Deacon John J. Ellis, Jr., Christopher, and Gregory, and ten grandchildren, and seventeen grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter, the late Candace Ellis.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at 9:00 AM, followed by his Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church, 208 Milmont Avenue, Milmont Park. The principal celebrant will be Most Reverend John J. McIntyre. Concelebrating and homilist will be Reverend Joseph C. McCaffrey. Deacon of the Mass and the Word will be his son Deacon John J. Ellis, Jr., and Deacon of the Eucharist is Deacon James A. Basilio.

Interment will follow at SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.