Obituary of Clennan L. Ellifritz

Riparius: Clennan Lee Ellifritz, 77, of River Road, passed away at his home following a lengthy illness Saturday May 21, 2011. Born in Kittzmiller, Maryland on September 26, 1933, Clennan was the only child of Lucy (Canfield) and Earl Ellifritz. Clennan lived his early years in Maryland and Virgina, and moved to Riparius in the 40’s. He attended elementary school in Riparius, and graduated from Pottersville High School. Clennan married Lottie Elnora Monroe in 1964 and had two sons, Timothy Clennan Ellifritz in 1965 and Thomas Charles Ellifritz in 1967. He was predeceased by his wife Lottie in 1987, and married his high school sweetheart, Donalda May Noble, in 1989. Clennan worked many years in many positions for Barton Mines, advancing until he was the head of Maintenance and Construction Operations, a position from which he retired in 1992. Throughout his life, Clennan went forth with a quiet demeanor of service to himself, to his family, and towards others. He served his country as a radio repeaterman during the 1950s in the U.S. Army, enlisting during a time when, thankfully, the U.S. A. was not involved in open conflict. He served his community, being recently recognized by the Riverside Volunteer Fire Department, the state Assembly, and the Governor as a 60 year member of the department, three times assuming the duties and responsibilities of fire chief. Clen was many things to those close to him. Father, fixer, builder, tinkerer, teacher, un-official town historian, detailed record keeper, all usually done with a grin and a chuckle. Most of all he was an antique collector. In the 1970s Clennan opened his own business, Clen’s Collectables, which is still in operation. He is survived by his wife Donalda, his children, Timothy and his wife Joni Virginia and their children Tavia Lee and Trista Shae Ellifritz, his son Thomas, his daughter Michelle Looney Volcheck and her Husband Thomas Volcheck and their sons Francis and Luke; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Friends may call on Clennan’s family from 6-8 pm Wednesday evening at the Alexander-Baker Funeral Home, 3809 Main St., Warrensburg A graveside service to celebrate his life will be conducted 11 am Thursday with Military Honors at the Bates Cemetery, Johnsburg with the Rev. David Newkirk officiating. The family would like to express its appreciation to the compassionate staff of High Peaks Hospice for their kind and loving care. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of donations to the Riverside Vol. Fire Co, Riparius, NY 12862 Please visit www.alexanderfh.net for online guest book, condolences and directions.