Joseph Ellovich, a U.S. Navy veteran and small business owner, sadly passed away on May 12, 2025, at the age of 96 at Wake Robin in Shelburne, Vt. Born in 1929 to Philip and Miriam Ellovich in Sharon, Pa., Joseph left behind a legacy of service and dedication to worthy causes. His family, including children Susan (Floyd) Fay and Wendel (Julia) Foerster, grandchildren Claire (Joel) Feldman Visser, Gustave (Jacqueline) Feldman, Jessica Fay, Joshua Fay, Magdeline (Peter) Hume, and Georgia (Troy) Hume, as well as eight great-grandchildren, sister Marcia Frumerman, and nieces and nephews, mourn his loss.
After graduating from Washington and Jefferson College in 1951, Joseph served as a communications officer aboard the USS Wasp during the Korean War. He later moved to the Naval Station Green Cove Springs Florida, where he took on roles as a communications officer, officer-in-charge of the Officers Club, and basketball coach. It was during this time that he met his beloved wife, Betty, whom he married in Jacksonville, Fla. The couple eventually settled in Vermont in 1985 after Joseph’s career in sales and business ownership.
Joseph’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to found the Parts House, Inc. in 1970, a venture he later sold in 1984. In retirement, he found joy in spending time with his grandchildren, Claire and Gus, and supporting Betty in her antiques business. Known for his dedication to serving worthy causes, Joseph sat on the boards of the Parent/Child Center of Addison County and Howard Center. He also supported organizations such as the ACLU, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and Americans United for Separation of Church and State. Not really sure why this matters, but Joe was quite the social butterfly, always ready to strike up a conversation with anyone he met.
Joe’s family fondly remembers his loving and generous nature as a husband, father, and grandfather. He remained actively involved in their lives, offering unwavering support and guidance. Despite his request for no formal service after his passing, family and friends cherish the memories shared with him. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Southern Poverty Law Center in Joseph Ellovich’s name are welcomed. Visit awrfh.com to share memories and condolences with the family as they navigate this loss.
