William R. Ellis

William R. Ellis, 75, of Waterbury, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2022 at the Cheshire House Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Waterbury. William was born on April 16, 1947 in Thomaston, CT, a son of the late Emily (Riley) and Horace Ellis.

William traveled the world and proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, including serving twice during the Vietnam War. He voluntarily enlisted at age 17 and earned many awards during his time as a weapons instructor, then an MP, and later as a Sargent at age 20. He was very proud and fond of this time in his life.

William was a hardworking man, who for much of his life after the military, worked as a Millwright Rigger at Brave Equipment/Shaman Industries for over 40+ years before retiring. In his free time, he would love to spend time with his kids or hang out and have drinks with friends. He was an avid football fan who would never miss his New York Giants. He was very social and always made friends with strangers within minutes. Everybody loved him. 

William is survived by his five children: Darcy Pettit of Oakville, William Boyce of  Waterbury, Michael Ellis and his significant other Diane Fernandes of Waterbury, Justyne Perez and her spouse David Perez of Clermont, FL, Daniel Ellis of Palm Coast, FL; his sister Gloria Ellis; his grandchildren: Michaelyn Ellis, Brenden Ellis, Angelina Perez, Geovanni Perez, Jaiden Perez, Dominic Perez, Deanna Pettit, Charles Pettit, and Desirae Pettit; his great-grandchildren Aubrey Tobin and Paisley Pettit; his nieces and nephews: Clint Ellis, Fern Nunley, Tony Bingham, Tabitha Garofalo, Shiri Dauch, and John "JP" Chocholka; his cousins: Melissa Gilbert, Joy Collins, and Misty Gilbert; and very close friends John McDermott, Joe Downey, Steve Bock, as well as many others. In addition to his parents, William is predeceased by his sister Louise Riley.

Prospect Memorial / The Palmerie Family Funeral Home, 72 Waterbury Rd., Prospect, CT has the honor of serving William’s family. You are invited to share a fond memory, photo or words of comfort for his family on his Tribute Wall on this website.

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