DeWitt Ellinwood Jr.

Ellinwood, DeWitt Jr. GUILDERLAND DeWitt Clinton Ellinwood Jr., 88, of Albany died peacefully at home on March 28, 2012 surrounded by loving family. DeWitt was born in Peoria, Ill., on October 9, 1923 to DeWitt Ellinwood Sr. and Lola Penn Ellinwood. He and his brother Charles grew up in a loving Methodist parsonage home in various small towns in Illinois. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Gentle on September 6, 1953, with his father and brother officiating. He earned his bachelor's degree from Cornell College in 1945, followed by a master's degree from Cornell University in 1954. In 1962, DeWitt was awarded his Ph.D. in history from Washington University in St. Louis. DeWitt began his teaching career at Ohio University. He followed this with jobs at Washington University and National College in Kansas City. In 1962, he moved to SUNY Albany where he worked until his retirement in 1992. During his long career he taught history with an emphasis on British and Indian history. This love of history led to many trips abroad including living in Singapore for two years. His published works include his book "Between Two Worlds: A Rajput Officer in the Indian Army." He was involved in many professional organizations, most notably acting as founding president of the Phi Beta Kappa chapter at SUNY Albany. His life-long love of learning kept him intellectually and emotionally alive over the decades. DeWitt had a strong interest in public issues and a concern for others. This led to his participation in many organizations focused on social concerns, including the American Civil Liberties Union, Planned Parenthood, and the Peace and Justice Committee of the Capital Area Council of Churches. He was a life-long member of the Methodist Episcopal/United Methodist Church and took great joy in singing in the choir at the McKownville Methodist Church. DeWitt was a great friend to many with whom he enjoyed playing games, watching Albany basketball, good conversation, and staying in touch. DeWitt is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy; daughters and sons-in-law Holly and Rick Middleton, Dawn and Ted Meredith, and Julia and Joe Fisher. His beloved grandchildren are Nikki Middleton, Katherine and John Meredith, Jenn, Michael and Peter Fisher. He is also survived by his brother Charles and family. Memorial contributions may be made to Upper Hudson Planned Parenthood, 855 Central Ave, Albany NY 12206 or McKownville United Methodist Church 1565 Western Ave. Albany NY 12203. The family will welcome family and friends for a celebration of DeWitt's life on Saturday, April 14 at 11 a.m. in the McKownville Methodist Church, 1565 Western Ave., Guilderland.