Sumner “Sonny” Ellis, 93 March 11, 1929 - October 5, 2022

Haverhill–Sumner “Sonny” Ellis, 93, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather of Haverhill, died peacefully in his home on Wednesday, October 5, 2022.

Sumner was born in Stratton, Maine on March 11, 1929, and was the son of the late Florin and Rachel (Hatch) Ellis.

Sumner was raised in Eustis, Maine and was a graduate of Skowhegan High School, Class of 1948. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1948 and retired from the Navy in 1972 as Chief Boatswain.  After his career in the military, he attended Andover Junior College majoring in Business. Later he worked at  Governor Dummer Academy and later worked at Northern Essex Community College.

Sumner was an entrepreneur establishing “Fancy Ropework” in the 1975. An outstanding nautical knot maker, he presented a naval knot display to the Custom House Maritime Museum in Newburyport MA. & Bermuda where they remain on display.

Sumner loved his “Two Daughters,” his family & his best friends, Chester, Gracie, and Lola.  He also enjoyed watching his movies, “The Godfather” & “Casablanca.” He enjoyed big band & country oldies music and loved to go “jitter-bugging.” He also enjoyed his time with his friends at Sarah’s Place.

Sumner was the beloved husband of the late Janet (Marston) Ellis. He was the loving father of Karen Maher and her husband James of Raymond NH. His daughter, Paula Dill and her husband Michael Desmarias of Haverhill, MA.. He was the cherished grandfather of Shaun & his life partner Mo of Haverhill MA., Nikki and her husband Wayne of Freedom, NH., Wally and his life partner Sonia of Raymond, NH. Josh and his wife Maghan of Exeter NH., Samantha and her husband Angel “Chino” Jr. of Vernon Ct.., & Shelby and her life partner Phil of Garland Tx. His great-grandchildren, Alison, Sonnie, Jake, Angel III, Lukas, Violet, Julianna, Izzi, Vinny, Stevie, and many nieces and nephews.

He was pre-deceased by his son, Steven Ellis, his sister, Jean Cummings, his brother Herman Ellis and his grandson, Stephen Arsenault.

Family and friends are respectfully invited to attend calling hours on Thursday from 10:00AM until 12:00PM at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home 486 Main Street, Haverhill. Funeral services will follow at 12:00PM in the funeral home. Please visit Comeau Funeral Home on Facebook or www.comeaufuneral.com