Ellis J. Curtis, Sr.

elliscurtisSouth Colton —Ellis J. Curtis, Sr., 79, died unexpectedly on Thursday after being stricken at his home earlier in the day. He is survived by his wife Helen and five children. Two daughters, Darlene (Tom) O’Connor and Kate (Alan) Mulkin. Three sons, Duane and his fiance Melinda McLean, Ellis “Jim” and his wife Karen and Ron all of Canton. His ten grandchildren, Katie and John O’Connor, Mollie Curtis, Nicole and Kyle Curtis, EJ (Ellis III) and Sami Curtis and Christopher, Ashley and Andrew Knight. Two sisters, Ella Morter (his twin) and Eileene Fordham. He was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Theoda “Teddy” Kelly. Ellis was born at home in West Pierrepont, NY on July 8, 1934 to Harold R. & Genevieve (Brewer) Curtis. He graduated at age 16 from Knox-Memorial High School in Russell and from Canton ATI in 1953 with a degree in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration. He served in the US Army at Fort Benning, GA from 1956 to 1959. He returned to Canton in 1959 joining his father in business at LeBerge & Curtis. In 1962, he became President and sole owner of LeBerge & Curtis. Ellis was a former member of the Canton JC’s, the Town of Canton Planning Board and the Canton Lions Club. His civic contributions were numerous and often involved his own time and equipment to insure the completion of the community project at hand. Ellis was a long time member and past President of the Stillwater Hunting Club. His greatest passions were hunting, fishing, spending time in the woods and at his sugar bush with his wife, children and his beloved grandchildren. A Celebration of Life reception will be held on Sunday, October 13th at “The Club” on Court Street, Canton from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Contributions in Ellis’ memory can be made to The Ellis Curtis, Sr. Scholarship Fund at Canton Central School, for the student who wishes to further their education in the field of agriculture. C/O Beverly Murray, 5984 CR 27, Canton, NY 13617. The Lawrence Funeral Home, Canton is handling arrangements.

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