Robert "Chris" Ellis, 60, of Clinton, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, November 21, 2013. Chris was born June 17, 1953, the son of Beverly and the late Robert Ellis, Clinton. He was a graduate of Clinton Central School. In 1972, Chris joined the US Navy, where he served as an engineman and on the crash crew, until his honorable discharge in 1976. Passionately involved with veterans' organizations, he was a 28 year member of the Helmuth-Ingalls American Legion Post #232, Franklin Springs, a life member of the Schillings-Burns-Young VFW Post #9591, a SAL member at the Clark Mills American Legion Post #26, and a member of the 40/8 Voiture 92, Whitesboro. Chris served on numerous committees for the Oneida County American Legion including scholarships, homeland security, and the Oneida County Cemetery Committees. In August of 2013, he was appointed Vice Chairman of the Veterans' Cemetery Committee for the Department of the New York American Legion. This was his most ardent goal in helping to establish a Veterans Cemetery in the Utica/Rome area. After 30 years of employment with Barrett Paving Company, Chris changed his life path and, in 2009, was named Superintendent of St. Mary's Cemetery in Clinton. He dedicated himself to his work with great pride and conscience. On December 8, 2000, Chris and Susan Patricia Delaney were united in marriage in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Clinton. As anyone who knew this couple could attest, Chris and Susan were devoted, supportive, and wholly united. Chris was an avid golfer; he with Susan, were members of the Heron Creek Golf Club and a member of the Tuesday night league at the Westmoreland Golf Club. He and Susan played golf together as much as possible and could be found most Sundays, on a tee box, with their dear friend Bob Potts, or with their Heron Creek family. Chris also enjoyed hunting with his group at Lenahan Farm in Westmoreland or with his brother, Andy, at their hunting camp at Otter Lake. He also enjoyed fishing, NASCAR, and local hockey and football games. Chris and Susan spent their last three vacations together enjoying themselves in Key West, FL. For 14 years, Chris and Susan shared a very special time of the years with children of all ages, playing Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Clinton Shoppers Stroll, at the American Legion and the VFW in Clinton and Clark Mills, at the ARC of Oneida County, as well as the Polar Express and the "Shop with a Cop" for underprivileged children. Chris is survived by his beloved wife, Susan, Clinton; his mother, Beverly Ellis, and his brother, Andy, both of Clinton; two sisters and brothers-in-law, and Carey and Jeff Lindfield, Westmoreland, Carol and Phil Orsino, Deansboro; nieces and nephews, Toby, Brian, and Becky Lindfield, Robert, Joshua, and Jennifer Orsino, Corey and Ashley Ellis, and Alex Delaney, who recently was helping Chris at the cemetery; as well as several great nieces and nephews. Chris was predeceased by his father, Robert, and his brother, Wally. Together with Susan's father, Don, they now have the perfect golf foursome. Chris' funeral will be held on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at 10:00 am in St. Mary's Church, Clinton, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Chris' wishes were to be buried in the Saratoga National Veterans' Cemetery, which will take place at the convenience of the family. He will have a Memorial stone in St. Mary's Cemetery. Relatives and friends are invited to call at the Heintz Funeral Home, 10 East Park Row, Clinton, Monday evening, from 4 - 7 pm. The Helmuth-Ingall's American Legion Post #232 will meet at the funeral home at 6:45 pm and conduct their service at 7 pm. Those wishing may donate to "Feed the Vets", to the Rome Veterans Clinic, or to the DAV in Chris' memory.