John J. Ellis, Jr.

Of Brighton, passed away peacefully on June 9, 2022. He was 84 years old. The son of John and Catherine (Minehan). He was born on November 28, 1937. John was raised in Brighton, and was a graduate of Brighton High School, Class of 1955. John proudly served in the Boston Fire Department from 1970 to 2002. He worked his way up the ranks and retired as District Chief, Car 11, Brighton. John loved being a member of the BFD and fondly told his grandchildren stories of his time being a Boston firefighter. John was a proud member of Boston Firefighters Local 718 of the International Association of Firefighters. He served as a member of the firefighters Society of St. Florian his whole career and well after his retirement. John was a veteran of the United States Air Force, serving with distinct honor from 1955 to 1959. His service to his country and city was something John was very proud of as the Brighton community can attest.  John was very Patriotic and along with his neighbors, was instrumental in decorating his neighborhood with American flags. After John retired he loved spending time with his wife,  children and grandchildren. He was a devout Catholic and faithful servant of God serving as a Eucharistic minister at St. Columbkille parish for many years.  He was former President of the St. Columbkille St. Vincent de Paul Society Chapter and the Knights of Columbus, Council 121. John was well known for delivering communion to nursing home residents as well as members of the community.  John was honored by the Archdiocese of Boston in 2012 with the distinct Cheverus award for recognition of his dedicated service to the Church.

Most of all, John loved his family very much, as his family loved him. He was a friend to everyone and will be remembered as a kind, generous gentleman.

John is survived by his beloved wife Mary (Tangney) of 57 years. His children, John (Barbara) of Newton, MA, Mary Robinson (Scott) of Hudson, MA, Patrick and his fiancée Debbie of Foxboro, MA, Christine Kivlehan (William) of Highland Mills, NY and Kathleen Wells (Patrick) of North Attleboro, MA. He will be remembered with love by his 13 grandchildren Nicholas, Diane, Daniel, Erin, Sean, Mary, Sean, Patrick, Emma, Gavin, Megan, Norah and Ian.  John was predeceased by his mother Catherine and father John, his sister Helen and brother George. 

Visitation will be held on June 13, 2022  from 4 to 8 PM at Lehman, Reen, McNamara Funeral Home located at 63 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton Massachusetts 02135. A funeral mass will be celebrated at st Columbkille Church, 321 Market Street, Brighton Massachusetts on  June 14, 2022 at 1030 AM .

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to the Boston Firefighter’s Relief Fund, 115 Southampton St. Boston, MA 02118. 

For directions and guest book please visit www.lehmanreen.com

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