John William Ellison, 76 years, of Charlotte, NC and former resident of Westfield, passed away in Novant Health Harris Hospice Unit on Tuesday, September 11, 2018 after a valiant three-month battle against Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
John was born in Darke County, OH on December 6, 1941 to Lena Beatrice (Sites) and Clarence Ellison. He attended Morehead State University (B.A.), Xavier University (M.Ed.), Southern Illinois University (S.Ed.) and the Ohio State University (Ph.D.).
John worked as a librarian in public school, medical and university settings. He taught in various academic departments at Wright State University, National Teacher Corp (Morehead State University), State University of New York at Buffalo, Central Michigan University, University of Kentucky, Emory University, Sam Houston State University, University of Oklahoma, University of Illinois, University of the West Indies (Jamaica) and Cape Coast University (Ghana, West Africa). He produced over 100 publications and media productions. He had the privilege of serving as a Fulbright Professor at the University of the West Indies (Jamaica Campus), at the National Library of Jamaica, at Cape Coast University, Ghana and the University of the West Indies (Trinidad and Tobago Campus). John was the first professor to deliver long-distance education via the internet at the State University of New York at Buffalo and presented "Critical Issues Related to Internet Teaching." Keynote Address, International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions e-learning for Management and marketing in Libraries Conferrence, Geneva, Switzerland.
John was greatly respected and loved by his students. "He mentioned me and many others as few others could have done. I never forgot the presence he was in my life...I would not have been able to achieve, thrive nor had the successes I did enjoy without his guidance and wisdom which instilled in me the skills, abilities and confidence necessary to do so" a former student recently wrote.
John was known for his abundant generosity, energy and passion for social justice. Satisfying his entrepreneurial bent, he owned and operated businesses in Chautauqua County including the Main Diner in Westfield. His interests included domestic and inter-national travel with his wife, continuing to mentor his former students, golfing, and fulfilling his role as the best Pop Pop ever to his grandchildren.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Deborah R. Williams, former Patterson Library Director; his loving daughter, Katelyn R. Bartella and husband Sean A. Bartella; his adoring grandchildren, Graham W. Bartella and Florence R. Bartella; his sons, Brandon J. Ellison and Wildon V. Ellison; his siblings, JoAnn Roberts, Mary Lou Stewart and Thomas K. Ellison; sister-in-law, Elsie Ellison; and a large extended family. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Robert "Joe" Ellison; a sister, Martha Jane Stover; and two brothers-in-law, James Roberts and Ralph Stewart.
Abiding by John's wishes, his family is not holding memorial services. He hated funerals and promised not to attend his own.
Memorial donations may be made in John's name to Patterson Library, 40 South Portage Street, Westfield, NY 14787; or the Lymphoma Research foundation online at https://www.lymphoma.org.
Obituary from the Observer
