Joseph Ellis, Jr.

Joseph E. Ellis, Jr., age 68, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2022 at Champion Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Brockton, MA after a long battle with spinocerebellar ataxia. Born April 18 ^th , 1953 in Boston, MA as one of five children to Theresa and the late Joseph Ellis, Sr., he was a proud graduate of Weymouth Vocational Technical High School class of 1972, where he served as Class President.

In 1977, Joseph married Deborah Sweeney, and the two would settle in Brockton, MA in 1980. Their only child, Joseph Ellis, III, was born in 1991.

A true builder, Joseph was a construction worker for much of his life, retiring in 2007 due to progression in his disease. Woodworking was a favorite hobby of his, where he created furniture from scratch. He bonded with his son by attending numerous concerts, building model cars, and collecting coins, a pastime he started with his own father. In addition, Joseph was a history buff, with particular interest in the Civil War. He would read as many history books as he could get his hands on. Joseph was also an avid Patriots and Red Sox fan who would watch every game he could. Spending time with his family at various gatherings brought him great joy. A proud father, he enjoyed attending musicals, plays, and talent shows that his son performed in.

Joseph is survived by his loving wife, Deborah (Sweeney) Ellis, son, Joseph Ellis, III, and his wife, Jennifer.  He is also survived by his mother Theresa (Donahoe) Ellis, siblings Margaret and her husband Christopher Ruffes, Theresa and her husband Joseph Boudreau, Joyce MacPeek, and sister-in-law Denise Ellis. He was the brother of the late William Ellis and brother-in-law of the late Eric MacPeek. In addition, he is survived by many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Joseph’s life will be held in the spring. More information will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the National Ataxia Foundation at https://www.ataxia.org/donate/.