Maurice Lester Ellicott

Maurice L. Ellicott, 78, of Dayton, Ohio, a devoted husband to Rita M. Ellicott for 46 years, departed this life surrounded by family, on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at Kettering Medical Hospital, Kettering, Ohio. He was born in Springfield, Ohio, on March 23, 1945, to the late Frances L. Peterson of Cedarville, Ohio.

Maurice lived most of his life in Dayton, Ohio, and enjoyed visiting relatives in Yellow Springs and Cedarville, Ohio. He is a graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. He attended Cincinnati State Technical Institute in 1969 and obtained his Certification to be declared a licensed distributor for The State of Ohio Division of Liquor Control for 16 years. Shortly after the closing of the Ohio State Liquor Stores, he was employed by the Dayton Public School "Stivers" as a Night Custodian for 25 years of his life and left an incredible mark on those he encountered. He was a man of many talents and lived a life characterized by warmth, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to his family and community.

Maurice was a Veteran of the United States Army receiving the National Defense Service Medal and served during the Vietnam War. He was a passionate and longtime member of the Knights of Peter Claver, St. Simon of Cyrene Council 353 for 25 years, where he dedicated his time and energy to making a difference in spreading faith, hope, and love. Maurice dedicated 17 years of his life as an Usher and 44 years as a member at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church. His warm smile, welcoming spirit, and commitment to creating a sacred space for worship touched the lives of many parishioners. Maurice supported Paul Laurence Dunbar High School football and basketball games for over 50 years and stood proudly as a football fan of the Cleveland Browns "Dawg Pound". He enjoyed laughter with his family, fishing, grilling, dancing, singing, and listening to some old-school jams. Maurice's legacy extends beyond his professional pursuits, as he genuinely desired to make a positive impact on the lives of others.
Maurice L. Ellicott is survived by Rita M. Ellicott, his loving wife and leaves to cherish his memory; one sister, Rochell (Cyris) Davis of Jefferson Township, Ohio; one brother, Donald Ellicott of Dayton, Ohio; four stepdaughters, Gwen T. Davis of Evanston, Illinois, Rhonda D. Lewis, Linda A. Lewis, Desiree V. Delgado of Dayton, Ohio; two stepsons, Edwin F. Lewis, III, Bruce A. Lewis, Sr. of Dayton, Ohio; one daughter, Latonya Ellicott of Atlanta, GA. 17 Grandsons and 7 Granddaughters; 39 great-grandchildren; one great, great-grandchild. Brother-in-law, Dean Anderson, sisters-in-law, Joyce Orr, Linda (Bertrand) Brickham, Susan (James) Smith, Andrea Anderson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. (A special friend "his only barber", Mack McCullum; Godsons, Jovon Delgado, Trevaughn Bailey; and his Aunt Evelyn Peterson-Scholer.)

Preceded by death, in addition to his beloved mother; stepfather, Robert Allen; father, Don Ellicott; father-in-law, Wilbert C. Anderson Sr.; mother-in-law, Eunice M. Anderson; sons, Todd M. Ellicott; Michael Ellicott; stepdaughter, Trina M. Lewis; brothers-in-law, Wilbert C. Anderson Jr.; James (Jim) Orr; and sister-in-law Merlyn Thibodeaux.
Maurice's home was a haven of love, laughter, and unwavering support. His ability to find joy in simple moments and wisdom in navigating life's challenges left an enduring impression on all who knew him. Maurice L. Ellicott's impact on our lives and community will forever be remembered. May he rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love that he so generously gave during his time with us.

A Mass of Christian Burial in memory and honor of Maurice Lester Ellicott will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 11:00am at St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church, 519 Liscum Drive, Dayton, Ohio 45417.

Services will be led by Father Francis Tandoh, C.S.Sp. Reflections and viewing for family and friends will be held from 9:00 am to 11:00 am. A burial with Military Honors will follow in West Memory Gardens Cemetery, 6722 Hemple Rd., Moraine, OH 45439. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Maurice L. Ellicott's memory to be made to St. Benedict the Moor Catholic Church Usher Committee.

To share a memory or to send condolences to the family, please visit the guestbook below. A repast meal will be served immediately following burial at St. Benedict the Moor Fellowship Hall for family and friends.