Ronald A. Ellis

**Ronald A. Ellis**
*October 19, 1938 – August 30, 2025*
Ronald A. Ellis, born on October 19, 1938, in Wellsville, NY, left this world at the age of 86, probably with a pun so *electrifyingly* bad it could power a small town. A lifelong resident of Alfred Station, NY, Ronald built the family home in 1965, where he and his beloved wife, Luan (Sutton) Ellis, created a lifetime of memories filled with love, laughter, and groans at his legendary wordplay.

Ronald is survived by Luan, his partner in life and pun appreciation, and their three children: Tim Ellis, Terry Ellis (and his wife, Susan Weuste Ellis), and Debi (Barber) (and her husband, Brian Barber), all of whom he taught to work hard and laugh harder. He was a grandfather to seven grandchildren and great-grandfather to two, they were his Pride and Joy. Ronald also leaves behind his brother, Gary Ellis, who endured decades of pun-ishment with remarkable patience.

A dedicated electrical engineer, Ronald spent most of his career at Alfred State College in the Electrical Engineering Department, retiring after years of sparking innovation and mentoring students. His true workshop was his home shop, where he tinkered, built, and fixed anything that needed a jolt of creativity. A faithful member of the Seventh Day Baptist Church in Alfred Station, Ronald was always ready to lend a hand (and a pun) to church projects, from wiring to woodworking, leaving a legacy of service and smiles.

In the 1970s, Ronald served a term as the Town of Alfred Supervisor, leading the community with the same steady hand he used to build his family’s home. Known for his wry sense of humor, Ronald’s puns were so gloriously awful they could light up a room—or send it running. Whether joking about “current” events or “re-volting” electrical mishaps, his wit kept everyone on their toes.

A celebration of Ronald’s life will be held at the Alfred Station Seventh Day Baptist Church on Saturday, September 13th at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to a cause close to Ronald’s heart: Alzheimer’s Association(www.alz.org) or Michael J Fox Foundation (give.michaeljfox.org).

Ronald A. Ellis was a man who built more than homes and circuits—he built connections, memories, and laughter that will live on in his family, friends, and community. In his honor, go tell a pun so bad it makes someone groan; he’d love that.
To send a remembrance please visit www.brownandpowersfuneralhomes.com or on Facebook @ Brown Powers FH.