Douglas Sanford Ellis, avid golf enthusiast

Douglas (Doug) Sanford Ellis, 69, of Millsboro, formerly of Branchburg, N.J., passed away at home with his family by his side Monday, Aug. 7, 2023.   

Doug was born March 18, 1954, in Wilmington, to the late Naomi Jeane Sanford Ellis and Joseph Hudson Ellis (Dot), who survives him.

He graduated from University of Delaware, where he pitched for the baseball team, and later received his master's degree in finance from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Doug was the former president of both the northeastern division of All American Containers and Paradigm Packaging prior to that. He was a formidable presence in the rigid packaging industry who garnered tremendous respect from an extensive group of friends, colleagues and clients. 

Doug was an avid golf enthusiast and played some of the top 100 golf courses in the country, including Pine Valley and Augusta National. A devoted New York Yankees fan, he became a dear friend to Old Timer, Whitey Ford. 

He was the consummate storyteller, with a gift of making those in his presence laugh and feel loved. His generosity and willingness to encourage and support everyone around him was unmatched. Words can’t describe the magnitude of the positive impact he had on so many lives. He was larger than life, and will be sorely missed by so many.

In addition to his father, he is survived by his devoted wife, Cathleen Peters of Alexandria, Va.; daughter Jennifer Reppe (Kameron) of Harrisburg, Va; son Kevin Ellis of Portland, Ore.; stepdaughter, Hannah Shiblaq of Alexandria; and sister, Dori Kennedy (John) of Wilmington. He also leaves behind two nephews, B.J. Wallace (Anna) and Justin Wallace; niece, Kristi Bahgat (Sherif); and two great-nieces and two -nephews, all of Wilmington. Doug is also survived by extended family and an astonishing number of dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to the American Heart Association in Doug’s honor.