John H.R. Ellis

Rev. John H. R. Ellis, D.Min., passed away on September 25, 2020 at the age of 83. He was a retired Catholic priest living in St. Cloud, Florida. On December 19, 1969, Fr. John was ordained priest in the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Florida. He served at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Bradenton, FL and sat on several diocesan commissions during his tenure. On July 13, 1991, Fr. John was ordained as a Pastoral Provision Catholic priest for the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Instituted by Pope John Paul II, the Pastoral Provision allowed some married Anglican clergy to become Catholic priests and retain their married status. He served the Diocese of Venice as Diocesan Director of Catholic Campus Ministries for several years. He was then made Priest in Charge of St. Bernard Catholic Parish, Holmes Beach, FL. Fr. John faithfully served the Knights of Columbus as Chaplain to the 3rd Degree and faithful friar to the 4th Degree. In his retirement he helped at St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in St. Cloud, FL and as needed in other local parishes. Fr. John was born February 2, 1937 in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, son of Howard R. Ellis and Hazel Hughes Ellis. Fr. John leaves his wife of 58 years, Burgess Ann Lynch Ellis; a son, Thomas R. Ellis and daughter in law, Kimberly Ellis; his daughter, Ruth E. Ellis; grandsons, Jordan R. Ellis, Zachary M. Ellis and Nicholas Manley. Toy trains eventually captured his attention and he joined the Train Collectors Association and the Ives Train Society. He especially enjoyed collection antique toy trains and sharing his enthusiasm with others. He faithfully served his Lord as a priest in the Episcopal Church and in the Catholic Church for 50 years. May he Rest in Peace. The family will receive friends from 5:30 to 7:00 PM on Wednesday, September 30, 2020 also at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church with a Wake Service beginning at 7:00 PM. The Funeral Mass for Father John will be celebrated at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 1, 2020 at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church in St. Cloud. In Lieu of Flowers Donations can be made to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Venice in Florida or Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Orlando.

John H.R. Ellis

February 2, 1937 - September 25, 2020