Obituary of Joseph R. Ellis

Joseph R. Ellis, 86, of Bear Creek, formerly of Wilkes-Barre and Hanover Township, passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Allied Services Hospice Center in Wilkes-Barre surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Wilkes-Barre, a son of the late Leo and Anna Walkonis Ellis. Joe was a graduate of G.A.R. Memorial High School, class of 1955 and he received his engineering degree from Penn State University. Joe served with Army National Guard and the US Army Reserves from 1960-1965. He was a member of Our Lady of Hope Parish in Wilkes-Barre. He was formerly employed by the RCA Corp. in Mountain Top. Prior to his retirement, Joe owned and operated Ellis Beer Distributor in Wilkes-Barre for many years. Joe was a diehard Philadelphia Phillies and Eagles fan. He loved to be with his family, especially around Christmastime. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, who will be sadly missed by his family and friends. He was preceded in death by his loving wife and best friend of 62 years, Bernadine Mooney Ellis in 2022. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Amy Ellis and by his brother, Leo Ellis. Joe is survived by his daughter, Lee Ann Shovlin and her husband, John; sons, Joseph Ellis and his wife, Doreen, with whom he resided with for the past 2 ½ years; Eugene Ellis and his companion, Nathaly; grandchildren, Sarah Vecerkauskas and her husband, David; Joey Ellis and his fiancé, Devon Claherty; Zachary and Mallory Ellis and Kelcie Shovlin; great grandson, Wyatt Vecerkauskas; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to sincerely thank the nursing staff at Geisinger Wyoming Valley and Allied Services Hospice for their kindness and compassion while taking care of our Jidu. They would also like to extend sincere gratitude to Dr. Sam and Frieda Crockett and Mr. John and Aileen Taylor. Private funeral services will be held at the convenience of the family. The Rev. Theodore L. Obaza will officiate. He will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Hanover Township. Condolences may be sent by visiting Joe’s obituary at www.ngjfuneral.com. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. A special thanks and sincere gratitude to Dr. Sam and Frieda Crockett and Mr. John and Aileen Taylor.