MEREDITH, NH- Joseph A. Ellis, 94, died Saturday, December 26, 2009 at Forestview Manor Assisted Living in Meredith, NH with his daughters at his side.

Joseph, known as Papa Joe to his many friends and family, lived a full life that began on October 28, 1915 in the small town of Hebron, on Marylandís Eastern Shore. Joe was the younger child of Oscar and Margaret Ellis.

Joe graduated from Hebron High School in 1932 and at the age of 17 was admitted to the University of Maryland where he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law in six years. He passed the Maryland bar in 1939 and began his 46-year career with State Farm Insurance in 1940. When he retired in 1985, at age 70, he left behind many friends and coworkers.

In 1996, he moved to Northfield, Vermont to live with his daughter, Linda Ellis, who was Division Head of the Department of Nursing at Norwich University.

Joe enjoyed ten years of living in Northfield, working as a volunteer at the Norwich University Library and getting to know many of his neighbors.

Joe married Lena Hamilton of Limestone, Maine in 1941. Lee predeceased him in 1979. He is survived by his three daughters: Linda Ellis and JoAnn Ellis of Meredith NH, and Terry Ellis Burgee and her husband Brent Burgee of Randolph VT, and their three children Brooke Burgee of Burlington VT, Bethany Burgee of Portland OR, and Tyler Burgee of Seattle, WA.

There will be no public funeral services. Those who wish to remember Joe may make a donation to The University of Maryland Terrapin Club, UMCP Foundation, 2707 Comcast Center, College Park MD 20742, Community Health and Hospice, 780 North Main Street, Laconia NH 03246, or to a charity of their choice.

Arrangements are being made through Day Funeral Home, Randolph, VT. Online condolences may be left at www.dayfunerals.com.