Obituary of Leroy N Chellis

Leroy Newell Chellis Sr., 99 years of age, of Johnson City NY, joined his wife Ella in Heaven on Friday morning February 17 at the James G. Johnston Nursing Center, Johnson City. He was born in Saranac Lake, NY and was the son of Leroy Hazen and Lucena Evelyn Chellis. He was predeceased by his parents, his wife of 68 years, Ella Banford Chellis, and one brother, Mark Chellis. He is survived by his sister Grace Smith of Potsdam NY, and five sons, Craig Chellis and his wife Sherry, of Woodland Park CO, Scott Chellis and his wife Delores, of Cary NC, Leroy Chellis Jr. and his partner Theresa of Springfield, PA, Robert Chellis and his wife Terry of Fairfax, VA, and Brett Chellis and his partner Doug of Port Crane, NY. He also leaves 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Roy graduated from St. Regis Falls High School as Valedictorian, and then from Clarkson College of Technology with a BS Degree in Chemical Engineering. He began his career in 1940 as a Research Engineer for the Columbian Rope Company, assisting the war effort, and then with the Auburn Plastics Company. In 1952 Roy began his career at IBM Corporation in Endicott as an Advisory Engineer in the Plastics Laboratory, retiring in 1983 as a Senior Engineer. He received an Outstanding Achievement Award and Two Invention Awards with IBM. He was a career-long member of the Society of Plastics Engineers, serving in several offices, including President. Roy was an active member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Endicott NY, and served as a Vestry Member and Senior Warden. Along with his wife, he was devoted to the Gould Fund Subcommittee for Overseas Grants, and was instrumental in building the High School on Bequia in St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Subsequently, Roy and Ella sponsored the U.S. citizenship of a young artist from Bequia, Wren Bynoe, who now resides in Queens NY, and is considered our 6th son and brother. Roy was also a member and Vice President of the Sons of the American Revolution, Binghamton Chapter. Following his retirement he worked part-time in his son's businesses, and enjoyed traveling while researching genealogy with his wife, and of course, continuing his steady golf game. The family would like to thank the staff of Wilson Memorial Hospital, Hilltop Manor Campus of United Methodist Homes, including the James G. Johnson Nursing Center, for their exceptional care and friendship during Roy's final days with us. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the St Paul's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 200 Jefferson Ave, Endicott, NY 13760. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the church. A memorial service will be held 11:00 AM Tuesday at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. The Reverend John Martinichio and the Reverend Dr. James A. Corl will officiate.