Richard H. Ellsworth, Sr. passed away August 7,2016, at the Karen Anne Quinlan Home for Hospice in Fredon Twp.,NJ., at the age of 85. Son of Harry Wells Ellsworth and Gladys Williams Ellsworth, he was born in Bloomfield and grew up in Nutley, NJ.
He was a member of Harmony Lodge F&A Masons, the Sussex county Historical Society, the NRA and a supporter of the Brandy Station Foundation.
His life passion was our American Civil War history and with his family, participated in Civil War Reenactments and Living History Programs for 30 years. In 1983 organized a Memorial Unit of M Company 1st Regiment of Volunteer Cavalry which was mustered out of Sussex County in April of 1863.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly Marlatt Ellsworth and their children, Jennifer Ellsworth Allen, her husband Stephen Allen and Jacob E. Ellsworth and his wife Gwendolyn Thompson Ellsworth and five granddaughters. He is also survived by Jeanne Ellsworth, Bonnie Ellsworth Walker and husband Steve, Donna Ellsworth Brand and her husband Scott, Evvie Ellsworth Condit and Rich Ellsworth, Jr., and his wife Peg O’Connell Ellsworth and their mother, Evelyn Mitchell Ellsworth; 12 grandchildren,13 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, August 12, 2016 at Cochran Funeral Home in Hackettstown NJ from 12:00 to 3:00pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Marine Corps Law Enforcement Foundation, www.mc-lef.org.
Condolences:
Cyndi Weaver
#5
August 17th, 2016 6:06 am
My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Rich gave me the opportunity to truly share his passion for our history by letting me ride with the 1NJ when others thought it was not "real" for a woman to be on the battlefield; especially on a horse. During our get togethers and in reenactments, he never called me Cyndi. It was always "Frank;" the name I went by as a Trooper in Company M. And, he never gave my identity away. I learned so much from him and am blessed to have called him "Friend."
Wilson Bullivant
#4
August 13th, 2016 8:59 pm
Richard was a gentleman in every respect, a person one could look up to and always considerate of others. Ride on Richard, we'll meet again on another field.
Kathy Burgos
#3
August 12th, 2016 5:55 pm
I'm so very sorry for your loss. Rich was such a gentleman and great guy! I remember him taking Jenn to all the Chammings Ring shows. My thoughts are with your whole family.
Gerry Regan
#2
August 12th, 2016 7:50 am
Rich was one of my favorite people, someone who shared my passion for exploring the history of America's Civil War and exploring that history through portrayals of the men and, for some, women who lived through that conflict. Purely and simply, Rich became at different times a brother and father figure as we regularly took to the field on junkets to far-flung places such as Georgia, Maryland, Tennessee and Virginia. Rich, we shared some fabulous times. I remain forever grateful for your support and friendship.
Bob Aulicino
#1
August 11th, 2016 7:52 am
Rich was my neighbor for many years in Green Twp. Also a brother Mason, and a great friend! I will miss our periodic talks since his moving. Living close to Gettysburg now, I never go through town without thinking of Rich and years he spent involved in the history of the Civil War.
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