One of Raymond V. Ellis' favorite images across classic literature was the lamplighter, a figure often noted only by the glow brought to the darkness. Aspiring to become a lamplighter for his faith, he began taking classes in 1973 for the diaconate in the Catholic Diocese of Camden.
For the next three years, he fit his studies - 1,000 hours of lectures and seminars - around his duties as president of Clover Federal Savings & Loan Association in Pennsauken. On Oct. 4, 1976, he was ordained with the diocese's first class of permanent deacons. Deacon Ellis died at 78 on Saturday, March 23, at his Merchantville home. http://bit.ly/10rxkP2
Besides his wife, Joan and daughter Mary, he is survived by daughter Joanna, a grandson and granddaughter, and a brother and sister. Viewings will be 7-9 p.m. Monday, April 1, and 8:30-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 2, at Alloway Funeral Home, 315 E. Maple Avenue, Merchantville. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10 a.m. at St. Stephen's Church, Pennsauken. Interment will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, N.Y. Donations may be made to Samaritan Healthcare and Hospice, 175 Madison Ave., Mount Holly, N.J. 08060, or the Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, Ill. 60601.
Condolences to the family may be offered at wwww.allowayfh.com.