New Bern, NC: Frederick Robert Edward Ellis, Ret. USN Captain, 87, of New Bern, NC, died on May 25, 2016 in Haverhill, MA.

Born and raised in Lawrence, MA, son of the late Beatrice Geraldine (Fitzgerald) Ellis, he graduated from Central Catholic High School with the Class of 1946; and from Merrimack College with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English with the Class of 1951, where he played baseball, basketball, and hockey and was sports editor for the College newspaper. Mr. Ellis spoke highly of the Augustinian Priests that taught at Merrimack College and was particularly proud of being a member of the first graduating class. Mr. Ellis went on to receive a Master's Degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

Mr. Ellis married the love of his life, Lillian Edith (Roy) Ellis, two days after his college graduation. Mr. and Mrs. Ellis's love story began as close neighbors in Lawrence at the age of 11 and they shared fifty-one wonderful years of marriage. They enjoyed traveling and experiencing the cultures of the world together, especially in Europe and Asia, and raising their family of three children. Mr. Ellis counted his greatest accomplishment as being his wife's devoted and loving care giver during the last six years of her life.

Mr. Ellis served in the United States Navy for twenty-seven years during the Korean Conflict, the Vietnam War, and after. He served as a Public Affairs Officer throughout his naval career, briefing and serving as an advisor to General William Westmorland, Admiral John McCain, Sr., and Admiral Issac Kidd. He retired with the rank of Captain in 1977. Following his retirement from the Navy, Mr. Ellis was employed as Public Relations Spokesman for Virginia Power in Norfolk, VA until his retirement in 1987.

Mr. Ellis attended St. Paul's Catholic Church in New Bern, NC, and was a member of the Navy League and the Urban League. He loved all sports, and was an avid fan of the Duke Blue Devils and the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed playing golf, reading, and spending time with his family and close friends, especially Victor and Grace Hatem of Salem, New Hampshire.

He was predeceased by his wife of fifty-one years, Lillian Edith (Roy) Ellis in 2002, and his daughter, Judith Ann (Ellis) Zelasko in 2008; and is survived by his daughter, Susan Pauline Ellis of New Bern, NC, his son, Christopher Robert Ellis of Richmond, VA, his sister-in-law, Theresa Sansoucie of Haverhill, two grandchildren, Donald Zelasko (and wife Crystal) and Dianne Zelasko (and friend Sean), two great-grandchildren, Kierra and Davin Zelasko, and his nieces and nephews, Mark Sansoucie (and wife Dianne), Brian Sansoucie (and wife Peggy), Paula Kelley, and Alan Sansoucie (and wife Dhyana).

A memorial service with the rendering of Military Honors will take place at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Berube-Comeau Funeral Home, 47 Broadway, Haverhill, MA. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.berubecomeau.com.