Stephen Ellis

Stephen Ellis, 74, died peacefully at home in Charlottesville, Virginia, on June 24, 2025. Born in Southport, CT, Steve was the youngest of three brothers. He attended The Hotchkiss School and graduated from Lake Forest College. He built a career in marketing, but found the most joy in travel, photography, and golf. A former member of The Country Club of Fairfield, he played many renowned courses with friends and colleagues. Steve was rarely without a camera. He was drawn to beauty often overlooked: a worn chair, peeling paint, the flow of a river. He taught those around him to notice the details-and to wake before sunrise, catch the light at its best, while the world was still quiet. He was known for his quick wit, dry humor, and deep knowledge of seemingly everything. His clever remarks, sharp observations, and stories stayed with you long after they were told. Most of all, Steve was devoted to his daughter, Lindsay Peyton Ellis. When she was little, they shared a nightly ritual: she'd spin a globe, stop it with her finger, and he'd teach her about wherever it landed. He was a steady force in her life: calm, thoughtful, loyal, and deeply proud. Without him, her world feels off its axis. He is also survived by his brother, Winston Ellis, as well as a niece and nephew. He was predeceased by his parents, Anne and Carleton Ellis, and his brother, Carleton "Tony" Ellis III. Donations in Steve's memory may be made to the World Wildlife Fund in his name. To view his photography, please visit: www.steveellisphoto.com