John P. Ellis 64, of Lancaster, passed away Friday, March 24, 2017, at Lancaster General Hospital.

He was the husband of Zeltha L. (Pitts) Ellis, whom he married on February 16, 1980. Born in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late John P. Ellis, Sr. and Esther B. Ellis of Philadelphia.

John was a 1970 graduate of Roman Catholic School, Philadelphia, and a 1975 graduate of Fisk University, Nashville, TN. He was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

His work of 30 years included Union Carbide in Charleston, WV, McNeil Pharmaceutical in Springhouse, PA, and M&M/Mars in Elizabethtown.

John loved cooking and barbequing for family and friends. He enjoyed writing poetry and was recognized by The Philadelphia Tribune on August 6, 1985 for his poem "Dreadlocks and Cops". He was fond of sports, but particularly supportive of the Philadelphia Eagles. One of his main hobbies was gardening and lawn work and he took pride in keeping a manicured lawn. John loved shopping for the latest gadgets and tools, and was known for always challenging someone to a game of chess or playing a game of checkers on the computer. He loved bike riding which included a challenging ride of 77 miles from Lancaster to Philadelphia.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three sons, Johsua R. Ellis of Lancaster, Andre' J. Ellis and his wife Vanessa of Lititz and Murad N. Brooks of Lancaster; one daughter, Quan L. Smith of York; and six grandchildren, Kaylee Mentzer, Alesis Mentzer, Zoe Ellis, Travis Johnson, Malachi Brooks, and Lanaisa Brooks. There are two godchildren, Nyeema Roberson and Christopher Pitts. He has one sister Linda Ellis and one brother, Wayne Ellis, and his mother-in-law, Florence Pitts. Nine sisters in-law, one brother in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and his beloved cat, Sushi, also survive him. He was preceded in death by a sister, Tina Ellis, and his father-in-law, Horace Pitts.

Homegoing services will be held at 11 AM Saturday, April 1, 2017 at Bright Side Baptist Church, 515 Hershey Ave., Lancaster with the Rev. Dr. Louis A. Butcher, Jr officiating. Family and friends will be received 2 hours prior to the service. Burial will follow in Millersville Mennonite Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in John's memory may be made to Manheim Twp. Ambulance Association, 1820 Municipal Dr., Lancaster, PA 17601 or to Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604.