Joe Ellis Obituary

Ellis, Jr. April 25, 1941 - Nov 14, 2008 Resident of Pacifica He brought great joy to his family when he entered this world on April 25, 1941 and great sadness when he left us suddenly and unexpectedly on November 14, 2008. Joe was the third child of Joseph Vincent Ellis, Sr. and Josephine Arcuri Ellis who have preceded him in death. He was born and raised in Sacramento, CA.; a 1959 graduate of Sacramento Sr. High School. He had an early interest in music and began playing trumpet while in grammar school. He pursued his musical career after high school graduation by attending the Julliard School of Music in NY for one year and then settled in San Francisco to pursue the jazz music he so loved. His musical life was enhanced with great experiences; namely, touring with Stan Kenton and Ray Price; playing with The Grateful Dead and Santana and many more Bay Area musicians. In the early 1960's he joined the USMC and completed his "boot camp" at Camp Pendleton when he made "special services" because of his musical accomplishments. He served with the USMC band at Twenty-Nine Palms, CA and toured the US extensively with the marine band for 4 years. Upon discharge, he returned to the Bay Area, met his life partner, Judy McCullough, married and began the family he so loved. Joe is survived by his sisters, Eleanor Ellis and Elaine Nelson (Robert); his former wife, Judy, whom he remained close to and shared the love of their children; Tami Ellis (Connie Martinez), Jennifer Escobar (Rolando), Aaron Ellis (fiancé Jennifer), Amber Seguine (Rich) and Cabot O'Callaghan (Tammy) and their 7 grandchildren; Nicolena, Antonio, Vincenzo and Isabella Escobar; Gianna and Sofia Seguine and Aidan O'Callaghan. Another grandchild will join the family in May 2009. He is also survived by his Aunt Clara Riolo of Roseville, CA and several cousins from the Arcuri and Ellis families. Joe was gregarious, jovial and a great storyteller. He loved life, his family and his music, unconditionally. Friends and family are invited to visit at 6:00pm with a Rosary on Thursday, November 20th at 7:00 PM, Crosby & Gray Funeral Home, 2 Park Road, Burlingame. Funeral Mass, Friday, November 21st at 2:00 PM, Our Lady of Angeles Catholic Church, 1721 Hillside Dr., Burlingame. Celebration of life to follow. Remembrances in Joe's name can be made to a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Crosby-N. Gray & Co, Burlingame, CA 650-342-6617 www.crosby-ngray.com

Published by Bay Area News Group publication from Nov. 19 to Nov. 20, 2008.
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It is hard to believe it has been 12 years. Three years ago I moved from the Bay area to SC, but still remember Joe fondly.

Jane Pallas

Acquaintance

November 13, 2020

Very sorry to find out about Joe, knew Joe in high school, Joe and our friends are saden to lose one of the best trumpet players and person we knew Joe played the best version on Cherry Pink and Apple Blosson White his sweet personality was a plus, sorry to his family and friends, Joe you will be in my heart always.

Mary Ann Taylor, Farkas

July 7, 2012

I miss my tuesday nights with Joe. I miss talking smack to the guys and elbowing him for it when they were at bat. And I miss are very private and personal conversations about everything when they were in the field. I'm going to miss everything else that I never got to experience with Joe. I'm going to miss the fact that I never get to hear him play. Im going to miss ever seeing him hold our baby (hopefully Joseph Ellis???). Im going to miss the look in my husbands (to be :) eyes after he hugs him. Im going to miss him at our wedding. Im going to miss how much he just accepted and loved me the good and the bad. Im just going to miss him more than I could ever express.

Jennifer Baliel (Ellis)

December 7, 2008

My Dad and I understood each other without many words. We share a common talent for playing trumpet and expressing our passion for the instrument and respect for music. I feel honored and blessed that my Dad shared this with me. I will always play from my heart and think of him smiling and being proud of me. He always let me know what was real.

Tami Ellis

December 1, 2008

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Nicole Del Carlo

November 21, 2008

My sincere sympathy to Joe's wonderful family.

I had the opportunity to get to know Joe through my work which averaged spending 2 - 4 hours a week with him. He was fun, funny, engaging, smart, articulate, feisty and gentle. He talked often of his family, his music and his desire to help people. I'm happy he was able to see Obama elected and gas prices come down a bit.

I know I will miss sparing with him and I know his family will miss him many times over. Hopefully, knowing others care will help you through this celebration of his life.

Jane Pallas

Jane Pallas

November 21, 2008

a musician, a sicilian, a marine. are you kidding? i'll miss seeing your face & eating pasta. my thoughts to tammy & the family.

George DiQuattro

November 20, 2008

we will miss you Joe...

Michael & Janet Yoscovitch

November 20, 2008

Michael Yoscovitch

November 20, 2008

My condolences to the entire family for this loss. Smokin' Joe was a great man and will be missed dearly.

Ryan Osberg

November 19, 2008

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