William D Ellis

William D. Ellis of Dedham passed peacefully on December 7 at the age of 66.  Devoted father of William D. Ellis II (US Army) of North Clarendon, Vermont.  Beloved husband of Glenna (Wade) of Vermont.  Son of the late Kenneth and Catherine Ellis.  Cherished brother of Arthur Ellis and his wife Deborah of North Attleboro, Kenneth Ellis and his wife Donna of Foxboro, and John Ellis and his wife Sherry of Easton.  Also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, in laws, and friends. 

Bill wore many hats in the harness racing industry and started his involvement in 1977 working as a groom for Mark Lancaster.

He was the long time President of the New England Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association (USHWA). Bill was involved with many standardbred organizations throughout his life; The Standardbred Owners Association of New England, the New England Harness Horseman’s Association and Harness Horseman’s Association of New England.

He was instrumental in the Western New England Harness Horseman’s Associations grain feed program during the pandemic.

Bill was the recipient of the Joseph A. Vaccaro Memorial Award in 2010, and enjoyed being the co-emcee with Heather Vitale at the Annual Awards Dinner for the Delaware Standardbred Owners Association.  

 At the age of 20 Bill was the youngest announcer in the country (from 1978-2023). He announced at tracks in Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont, and loved every call he made. He could make a walk-over seem exciting, but his biggest thrill was when he had the opportunity to sit behind a horse and drive in a race.

 Bill worked in sales for many years in the waste and recycling industry. 

 In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Harness Horse Youth Foundation, 2711 Friar Tuck Road Anderson, IN 46013.

Visiting hours will be held at the Alexander F. Thomas and Sons Funeral Home 45 Common Street Walpole Tuesday morning from 10-12.  Interment at St Michael's Mausoleum relatives and friends invited.

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