Dana Merle Ellis

Dana Merle Ellis, 62, of South Portland, died unexpectedly on Aug. 2, 2011 at the Maine Medical Center. Dana was born in Pittston, Maine, on Feb. 3, 1949, to Gerald Sidney Ellis and Linda Olive (Sprague) Ellis. He was a 1967 graduate of Gardiner High School where he played football for the Gardiner Tigers. After graduating from high school, Dana served three years in the Army, including one year of service in South Korea. While in the Army, Dana was awarded a National Defense Service Medal, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and a Sharpshooter Badge. Following his service to his country, Dana returned to Maine and attended Westbrook College, where he met and married the love of his life, Mary (Norton) Ellis in 1975. Dana and Mary resided with their children in Saco and later in South Portland. He worked for a number of years at Snow's Food in Scarborough and for the last 18 years at the Saco Wastewater Treatment Facility. Dana was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather who in recent years took the greatest joy in spending time with his wife, children and three young grandchildren. He loved all types of music, especially Celtic and classic rock, had an enormous collection of records and CD's, and often served as a DJ for weddings and other family events. He was constantly working on projects around the house, enjoyed camping trips with family and friends, playing board games and building furniture and musical instruments. He was also a Little League umpire for many years in the Biddeford-Saco area. Dana was a generous and loving man who had a wide circle of family and friends who will miss him dearly. His family is especially appreciative of his role in the care of Mary's sister, Ann, who lived with Mary and Dana in South Portland. Dana was predeceased by his parents, Gerald and Linda Ellis. He is survived by his beloved wife of 36 years, Mary Ellis of South Portland; two sisters, Bonnie and her husband Al Brackett of Florida, and Tanya and her husband Chris Quigg of Augusta; a son and daughter in law, Joshua and Sherri Ellis of South Portland; a daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Nathan Younger of Arundel; three grandchildren, Emeline and Patrick Ellis of South Portland and Dylan Younger of Arundel; and several nieces and nephews. A service and celebration of Dana's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 8, 2011 at the St. John the Evangelist Church, 611 Main Street, South Portland. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Crawford Funeral Home, 172 State Street, Portland, Maine. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Dana's memory to the Pine Tree Society, 71 U.S Route 1, Suite B, Scarborough, Maine, 04074 Online Condolences for Dana Ellis