Eugene A. Ellis, 88, of Ocean View, DE, peacefully passed away at his home, with the support of his family and Accent Care Hospice on September 30, 2023. Gene was born on March 13, 1935 in Chester, Pennsylvania. He was predeceased by his parents, Sam Ellis and Asunta "Sue" Ellis (Maiorini); and his brothers Paul Parente, John Ellis, Sam Ellis, and Ronald Ellis. He is survived by his wife, of 65 years, Betty Jo Ellis (Inscoe); his children, Mark Ellis, Susan Ash (Lawrence), Cathy England (Steve) and Sam Ellis (Tara); and his grandchildren, Joe Garner, Lona Garner, Michelle England-LaFrance (Anthony), Ryan Ellis, and Gina Ellis; and great grandchildren, Christopher Lewis and Ethan England.

Gene attended Chester High School in Chester, PA. In 1958, he graduated from the Pennsylvania Military College (now Widener University) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and was involved in Engineers Club, Society of American Military Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, and Kappa Sigma Kappa Fraternity.

Upon graduation, he was employed as a mechanical engineer for several government agencies for 20 years. He helped design the Army Reserves Recruiting Center in Lewes and was also involved with the Dover AFB barracks project.

After the government, he partnered with his brother, Sam, and formed Ellis Construction, Inc. The company was known for rehabbing Chester housing, providing safe homes for low-income families among many other commercial, industrial, and residential projects in the area.

Gene and his family have lived in VA, MD, and PA, but discovered Ocean View, Delaware in the 60's with friends. He built a home in 1971 and spent weekends and summers enjoying fishing, crab feasts with longtime friends and family, and the quiet of "Lower Slower" Sussex County. Gene and Betty retired to Ocean View in 1995 and Gene continued to invest in property and building houses in the area.

Gene developed a theory on the expanding universe 15 plus years ago. He spent much of his day researching and learning more and more on the subject. He wrote and posted his papers on the internet and enjoyed collaborating with others around the world on the topic.

He was a long-time parishioner and usher at St. Ann's in Bethany Beach. He enjoyed going on cruises with his wife, Betty and friends. His hobby was exploring all the information on the Internet.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 AM on Monday, October 9, 2023 at St. Ann Catholic Church, 691 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE 19930, where friends and family may visit after 10 AM.  Interment will be held privately.

Flowers are welcomed or donations may be made to the Faith and Charity Catholic Appeal, Catholic Diocese of Wilmington, PO Box 2030, Wilmington, DE 19899.