Christopher William Ellis, recently residing in Vineyard Haven and formerly of Wellfleet, died peacefully at Martha’s Vineyard Hospital on Wednesday, March 12, after a six-year battle with cancer. He was 55.

Born in 1958, Chris spent the first 41 years of his life in Wellfleet, moving to the mid-Cape and finally to Martha’s Vineyard in recent years. Chris was recognized by all that knew him as a tremendously hard working man with a brilliant mechanical mind and a kind and generous heart. Chris held several occupations early in life prior to finding a career in public service. He was employed by the town of Wellfleet Department of Public Works for eight years, and later as a first responder and EMT on the rescue squad. Named Wellfleet’s Firefighter of the Year in 1995, Chris was proud to assist his community. In 1995, Chris transitioned to the Barnstable County Sheriff’s Department, where he served as a deputy sheriff for 18 years, and finally to his “dream job” as the director of support services for the Duke’s County Sheriff’s Department just this fall. Chris’ great love of adventure, gentle guidance to those he loved and nurtured, and his quirky sense of humor will be missed by all who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents Warren L.L. and Barbara A. Ellis of Wellfleet. Chris is survived by his daughters and their families: Shilo Ellis Henriques, her husband Charles, and daughter Olivia of Taunton; Amber Ellis Souza, her husband Jonathan, and sons Adam and Noah of New Bedford; his loving partner Ellen O’Brien and her sons, Matti and Eric Soikkeli of Vineyard Haven; and his brother Scott Ellis and wife Shirley, of Chatham. Chris also leaves behind cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, many treasured friends and his beloved dog Teddy.

A celebration of life memorial will be held on Sunday, March 23, at 2 p.m. at the Eastham Elks Lodge, 10 McKoy Road, Eastham, MA. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.

In deep appreciation for the wonderful care given Chris, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via dana-farber.org/gift. Arrangements are under the care of Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home, Oak Bluffs.