Joe Ellis Jr.

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