Obituary of Robert Hoffses Ellis

Robert Hoffses "Papa” Ellis, 98, cherished husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and retired civil engineer, died Monday January 6th 2014 at his home at Penobscot Shores, Belfast Maine. Born July 13, 1915 in North Anson, Maine son of Irvin and Edna (Hoffses) Ellis, Bob graduated from Anson Academy Class of 1933 and joined the Civilian Conservation Corps with his brother John, serving for two years in Flagstaff Maine. In 1935, he went to work for The Maine Department of Transportation. In February of 1941, he married his high school sweetheart, Wilma Bailey and they celebrated 67 years of life together until her death in 2008. Drafted in 1943, Bob served in Company L 3rd Infantry Regiment during WWII in France and Germany, and was discharged with the rank of Sergeant, May 11, 1946. Returning to work for Maine Department of Transportation, he passed the State Licensing Exam for Civil Engineering in 1950 and remained with the State Highway Department until his retirement as Asst. State Maintenance Engineer in 1975, after 40 years of public service. A 70 year member of Northern Star Masonic Lodge #28, Bob was a 32nd degree Mason and member of the Valley of August chapter of The Ancient Scottish Rite. Next to Wilma, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, Bob loved gardening, his precious Boston Red Sox, dancing to Guy Lombardo, hunting and trout fishing and a game of golf in his younger days; jig saw puzzles and the daily Jumble, a good game of bridge, a great steak and nice sharp cheddar, listening to The Tennessee Waltz and hearing Elvis sing How Great Thou Art. He loved life and said at his 98th Birthday in July 2013, "I'm a lucky fella. I've had a pretty good run!" Bob is survived by his children Roberta Martino of Plymouth, Massachusetts and James Ellis of Burnham and Kingfield Maine; his grand children Andrew Martino, Kathryn Dawson, Joseph Martino and Megan Valente; six great grandchildren Jane, Alexander and Owen Dawson, Ana and Ellis Martino, and Baylee Valente; and a very special friend, Donna Clark. His wife Wilma, brothers Clarence and John Ellis, and sisters Ruth and Amanda Houghton, predeceased him. Family and friends are invited to Penobscot Shores Library on Feb 1st, 2014 at 2 PM to honor Bob's life and share stories. A memorial celebration of the life of Robert H. Ellis will be held at the United Community Methodist Church, North Anson, Maine in the spring.