Alan F. Ellis spent his last days with a smile, surrounded by family, laughter, good food and classical music.

He was born in New Castle on June 21, 1936, to G. Ross and Esther (Fell) Ellis of New Wilmington.

He attended Westminster College, where he met Elizabeth M. (McGill) Ellis, who became his wife of 64 years. Alan continued his education at the University of Illinois, with a PhD in chemistry, and later an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

He was a research chemist, working for Gulf and Chevron Chemical Companies.

After retiring from Chevron, Alan moved to Barto, Pennsylvania, where he volunteered for the American Red Cross of the Lehigh Valley. In recognition of his service, he received the Clara Barton Award for Meritorious Volunteer Leadership.

Al had a dry sense of humor, often surprising listeners with his one-line zingers and clever puns. Other lifelong hobbies included remodeling every house he owned, amateur theater, hiking, nature photography, and cooking.

His life could be summed up by the text of his favorite T-shirt: Stay calm and Grandpa will fix it.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are three daughters, Lisa Betz of Morgantown, Pennsylvania, Jodi Ellis of Dillon, Colorado, and Megan Frazier of Kingwood, Texas; a brother, George Ellis of Bloomington, Indiana; and two sisters, Mary Ann Bridenbaugh of Healdsburg, California, and Elizabeth Hines of New Wilmington. There are four grandchildren.

A private graveside service will be held at the Salem Bible Church Cemetery in Macungie, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in the memory of Alan to the American Red Cross, PA Rivers Chapter, 3939 Broadway, Allentown, Pa. 18104

Arrangements by the Labs Funeral Home Inc. of Honey Brook, Pennsylvania.

For additional information and online condolences, please visit www.thelabsfh.com.