David E. Ellis, Sr, 82, of Fairfield, beloved husband of Emma "Pat" F. Wilson Ellis for more than 60 years, died after a lengthy illness on December 5, at Bridgeport Hospital. Born in Port Chester, N.Y., he was the son of the late Raymond and Ruth Taylor Ellis. He resided in Fairfield for more than 40 years, and his family formerly resided in Sandy Hook and Greenwich.

Mr Ellis served with the US Navy during the Korean War as an aircraft carrier mechanic. In 2009, he received the Connecticut Veterans Wartime Service Medal. Following the war, Mr Ellis worked at Westchester County Airport as a Cessna aircraft mechanic. He later became a sales representative for Benjamin Moore paint out of Montvale, N.J., covering the tri-state area.

Before moving to Fairfield, Mr Ellis and his family were active members of the United Methodist Church of Newtown. An avid boater, he loved spending time on the Sound and camping with his family and grandchildren. Hobbies included bird carving in which he donated many to charity.

In addition to his loving wife, his three children, Linda Ellis, and Lowell Gabner, of Stamford, Lisa Ellis of Fairfield, and David E. Ellis, Jr, and his wife, Sonya, of Milford; three cherished grandchildren, Meghan and Emma of Ansonia and Sophia of Milford; a sister, Betty Lou Lamb of Texas; and several nieces and nephews survive him. His three brothers, Raymond, Noel, and Richie Ellis, predeceased him.

His loved ones say he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

A memorial service celebrating Mr Ellis's life will be conducted on Saturday, January 7, at 11 am, at Grace United Methodist Church, 1089 Fairfield Woods Road, Fairfield, followed by a buffet reception.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fairfield YMCA, 841 Old Post Road, Fairfield CT 06824 to provide children and adults in need of assistance and also the Kennedy Center, 2440 Reservoir Avenue, Trumbull CT 06611. Please make donations out to the Art Department.

To sign the online guest registry or share a memory of Mr Ellis, visit spearfuneralhome.com.