Peter R. Ellis' Obituary
Mr. Peter R. Ellis
Peter Rowland Ellis, of Saint Petersburg, Florida passed away peacefully April 21, 2020 at home at the age of 86 with his devoted wife Sandra by his side.
Pete was born on October 13, 1933 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the son of David Rowland Ellis and Edith Wetherill Ellis. His father attended Hill School in Pottsville, PA. His mother was the granddaughter of William Bucknell the benefactor of Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. His wife, Emma Bucknell was a survivor of the sinking of the Titanic.
Pete grew up on his parent’s farm near Valley Forge, PA during World War II. He learned at an early age the meaning of hard work, perseverance and dedication on the family dairy farm; traits which defined him to the end of his life here on earth.
After Pete graduated from Hill School in 1952, he attended Bucknell University and majored in mechanical engineering. He was a member Phi Kappa Psi fraternity.
After attending Bucknell University he served in the United States Army. He was assigned to serve in the Army’s naval division at Fort Eustis, Virginia. Having spent his summers sailing on Narraganset Bay RI, he was fortunate to serve in the Army’s navy. He enjoyed sailing and cruising his entire life.
Pete met the love of his life, Sandra Taylor Swope on a blind date. They were married in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania on June 21, 1958. They had three children, Peter Bucknell Ellis of Egg Harbor Township, NJ, David Morris Ellis of Lititz, PA, and Diane Ellis Boake of Saint Petersburg, FL. He had eight grandchildren and three great grandchildren. They all have made him so very proud of their individual lives and accomplishments.
Pete began his professional career at Hyper Humus Company in Newton, NJ. They moved there from Pennsylvania in 1960. The company owned 1,200 acres of a peat humus deposit which was harvested and sold as a soil conditioner. In 1964 he was elected President. Pete loved the challenges of increasing production and discovering new ways to mine and bag the peat humus. It was a natural soil conditioner sold to garden centers, chain stores, golf courses and mushroom growers.
In 1980 the company was sold, and Pete continued as plant manager. He supervised the building of a new plant and directed a major expansion of the company. He loved problem solving and finding more efficient ways to increase production. Pete spent a total of 32 years in the peat mining business.
In 1990 Pete and Sandra moved to his boyhood summer home in Jamestown, RI where he earned his real estate license and worked in real estate until he retired in 1998. They enjoyed sailing and cruising New England waters together in their 30ft sailboat. It was a very special and happy time in their lives.
Pete was led to the Lord on May 18, 1968 by Pastor Oakes of Sparta Baptist Church and was baptized by immersion. He served the Lord there as a member and a deacon for over 20 years.
In 1998 Pete and Sandra moved to St. Petersburg, FL where they joined Northside Baptist Church in 1999. They have been enjoying their retirement and serving the Lord.
Pete spent the last 15 years beating Pulmonary Fibrosis which is still incurable at the time of his passing. As such in lieu of flowers, Pete would have been honored if you would donate to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation in his name, Peter R. Ellis.
https://app.mobilecause.com/vf/PFFTribute/PeterREllis
Mailing Address: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation 230 E Ohio Street Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60611
Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! The Lord is near!
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