Obituary of Wright Hoover Ellis

Wright H. Ellis passed away on March 2, 2025.  Born in Lockport on April 15, 1940, he was the son of the late Wright F. and Mary (Hoover) Ellis. Wright is survived by his wife of 51 years Jeannine (Gookin) Ellis; children Stefanie (Ryan) Wichhart and Andrew (Rachel) Ellis; and grandchildren Benjamin, Samuel, and Sarah Wichhart and Rebekah Ellis.  He was the brother of Charles (Sherie) Ellis, James (Lynn) Ellis and the late Rosemary (Richard) Marino. 

A graduate of Lockport High School and the University of Rochester, Wright had a distinguished 26-year career in the U.S. Navy. He saw combat action in the Republic of Vietnam as Naval Gunfire Liaison Officer with the 1st Battalion, 12th Marine Regiment from June 1965 to July 1966. Upon qualifying for Command at Sea, he commanded the USS KOELSCH (FF-1049) from July 1980 to October 1982. He led two major seven-month deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Persian Gulf areas of operation and a three-month joint-navies deployment to South America, commanding a four-ship task unit. He earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations from Salve Regina College while studying at the Naval War College in Newport, RI, subsequently serving as the Director of the Naval Command College. His service earned him the Meritorious Service Medal, three awards, the Combat Action Ribbon for service in Vietnam and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V for Valor.

After retiring from the Navy in 1987 with the rank of Captain, he returned to Niagara County and partnered with his brother and their families in the operation of Ellis Fruit Farm, raising apples, pears, peaches, and grapes. He re-entered public service with his election as the Supervisor of the Town of Cambria, an office he held for 32 years, retiring in 2024.

Wright loved music, serving as the organist for the Cambria Congregational Church, and singing in the Lockport Sound Glee Club. An avid woodworker and sailor, he was a member of the Youngstown Yacht Club.

Friends may call on Thursday, March 6th from 3-7 PM at Prudden and Kandt Funeral Home, 242 Genesee Street, Lockport.  A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, March 7th at 11 AM at Cambria Congregational Church, 4045 Lower Mountain Road, Lockport, NY 14094.  In lieu of flowers, memorials to Cambria Congregational Church or to Niagara Gospel Mission would be appreciated.  Online Condolences at www.pruddenandkandt.com.