Obituary of Jeffrey Ellis

Jeffrey Thomas Ellis, 55, passed away peacefully after a brief illness surrounded by his loving family on April 3, 2012. Born June 12, 1956, in Niskayuna, he was the son of the late Theresa (Matelitz) and Dwight Ellis. Jeffrey is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Renee (Hatch); and sons Payson, 17, and Avery, 13. He also leaves his sister, Mary Ellis (Ron Koll), brothers, Mark Ellis (Patty) and Johnny Ellis (Sue), and many nieces and nephews. He will be sorely missed by them and his many, many friends, and his devoted buddy, Hagrid. Jeffrey graduated in 1974 from Cardinal McCloskey High School. He worked for 25 years at Drome Sound in Albany and Schenectady, and for the past 13 years at Parkway Music in Clifton Park. He was the 'go-to guy' and was highly respected by his colleagues. One of his greatest loves was being a drummer which he did for 40 years playing with many local bands. He was self-taught and played by ear. Jeffrey's greatest gift was his sense of humor. He could tell a joke like no other. He loved to laugh and loved to make others laugh. The family would like to thank the 2nd floor E-Wing ICU at Ellis Hospital for the exemplary care and comfort they gave to Jeffrey these past three weeks. The funeral service will be held Saturday 1 p.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Church 2216 Rosa Road, Schenectady. Calling hours will be held Friday 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan St., Schenectady. Interment will be private at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers the family is asking donations be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave., Menands, NY 12204 or Animal Protective Foundation, 53 Maple Ave., Scotia, NY 12302 or the Guillain-Barre Syndrome Foundation in memory of Jeffrey Ellis. "Oh, give me the beat boys, and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away..."