Danny Lee Ellis

Danny Lee Ellis, 70, became an ancestor, peacefully passing away at Yale New Haven Hospital on February 6, 2023. He was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, and brother, Glenn Ellis, in Connecticut, West Virginia, and abroad including: Manama, Bahrain and Liverpool, England. Danny was born on December 1, 1952, to the late Bernice Vance Ellis and Otis Gambrell in New Haven, CT. Danny graduated from Lee High School in 1970. Seven years later, in 1977, he enlisted in the United States Army. His last command, as a combat engineer, was with 317th Engineer Battalion in Frankfurt, Germany, where he was recognized for exemplary performance, professionalism, and dedication to duty. Danny returned from active-duty service to our nation and became an Army reservist. He worked as a silk screen printer at Alan Golia Screen Printing Embroidery before becoming a firefighter for the New Haven Fire Department (NHFD) in 1985. Danny loved working with his hands in any way possible. He also was a cook, carpenter, and home repairman. He eventually became an independent general contractor working alongside his son, Devon Ellis, serving as his mentor and guide. He continued to do this work until he became physically ill. Danny loved his children, grandchildren and newest great grandson. He always had a kind word of encouragement for each of them and bragged incessantly about their accomplishments and accolades. He is survived by his loving children, Danny Lee Hines (CT), Tanya Henderson (NC), Ronella Nyreca Ellis (Kenneth Wilson, Jr.) (Bahrain), Dana Williams (Leroy Foster) (WV), Devon Rashad Ellis (Khrystin Douthit) (CT), and Dannella Ellis (Michael Davis) (CT). It is important to note that he was a proud grandfather to: Sania Eichler (Danny), Andreniki Backus, Dontrez Henderson, and Marquel Bacote (Tanya), Tiye Frierson, Imani Frierson, Naíla Frierson, Marli Ellis-Wilson (Ronella), Ariana Foster, Kayla Foster, Tyree Foster (Dana), Khamren Douthit-Ellis, Khali Douthit-Ellis (Devon), Jade Ellis, Michael Davis Jr., Bella Davis (Dannella). His newest addition is his great grandson, Nasir Warren Hines-Russell (Sania). Among siblings, Danny Ellis is predeceased by bothers, James Vance and Dennis Gambrell, and sister, Jacqueline Perry. He leaves his brothers: Jesse Vance (Teresa), Glenn Ellis (Loretta), and Steven “Stevie” Gambrell (Lanie) and sisters: Lauren Gambrell Edmondson and Cathy Gambrell. Danny also leaves a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and family friends who will greatly miss his smile, his laughter, and his incredibly big heart. His energy will continue to be dynamic and engaging in the spirit world and fill us with compassion and appreciation for all he has given to us. May his memory continue to be a blessing to everyone with whom he has connected.

Danny Lee Ellis

December 1, 1952 - February 6, 2023