The family of Donald Ellis Jr. has established a scholarship to be known as the Don Ellis Jr. Memorial Scholarship that is now available for Hancock Central High School Students, though the Hancock Community Education Foundation. This fund will be for graduates of Hancock Central School, with preference to a student who shares Don’s ethics, that include; integrity, humility, kindness, compassion and the love of family, friends, and his community.
Don graduated from Downsville Central School. He worked for the Delaware County DPW until 1971 when he enlisted in the U.S. Army serving with the 101st Airborne Division until his discharge in 1973. He then resumed his career with Delaware County, until his retirement in 2006 as the foreman of the Fishs Eddy Patrol. Post retirement, Don assumed the position of Town of Hancock Transfer Station part time attendant along with the name, Dumpster Don. At the time of his death, Don was serving as Vice-Commander of Hancock American Legion Post 289.
Don was as a role model for children in Hancock as a Little League coach for over 30 years, coached Small Fry Football, was a swim instructor for the youth recreation program and was instrumental in the construction of the Readburn Athletic Field.
If you would like to donate to Don’s Memorial Scholarship, donations can be sent to the Hancock Community Education Foundation at PO Box 819 Hancock NY 13783, payable to the Donald J. Ellis Jr. Scholarship Fund or online at hancockeducationfoundation.org.