Ellis “Bif” Schweitzer, Jr, 68, of Bloomingdale, Ohio passed away peacefully at home on September 3, 2023, after being cared for by his loving family and friends with the assistance of Valley Hospice. He was diagnosed with bladder cancer a year ago and through numerous rounds of chemotherapy and immunotherapy, he spent most of the year pain-free and active.

Ellis was born in Morristown, NJ on February 16, 1955, to the late Deacon Ellis Sr. and Elizabeth Schweitzer. After high school, he earned his Bachelor's degrees in Sociology, and Criminology at St. Leo University in Florida. He spent a year in Providence, RI working for VISTA, then received his Master of Social Work degree from Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, TX.

Months prior to moving to Texas, he attended a cousin’s wedding where he met his future bride, Kathy MacVeigh. She happened to live not far from him in Connecticut and thus began their lifelong adventure. They married on December 26, 1982, and spent the next 40 years raising and homeschooling their seven children.

Although most of the homeschooling responsibilities were held by Kathy, Ellis took on numerous extracurriculars such as CPR and First Aid Training, sewing, driving lessons, and car mechanics. He also passed on his love of music through lessons on the guitar or piano, and taking his children camping, hunting, and fishing.

Ellis and his family arrived in the Ohio Valley in 1997 and built a house in Bloomingdale the following year. Whether tending his garden, mowing the property, tinkering with cars in the driveway, or spending time with family and friends in the backyard, his love of the outdoors was evident.

For most of his married life, he worked as a clinical therapist while living in Maine, Pennsylvania, and Ohio. Just before his retirement due to illness, Ellis was employed by Northwood Health Systems in Weirton, WV. For numerous years between his time as a therapist, he was employed by Franciscan University of Steubenville as an adjunct professor and worked at the Physical Plant.

A devout Catholic all his life, Ellis was known for his early-morning, daily prayer routine, which he continued even during his recent illness. His strong faith and unselfish devotion to his family and friends were an inspiration to us all. He will be sorely missed.

Ellis was a strong and loving husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Kathy; sister Mary (Barry); his children Bethany, Sarah (Herman), Amy (Matthew), Stephen (Alexandra), Benjamin (Mary Clare), Lydia, and Rebecca; and grandchildren Joseph, Dominic, Evelyn, Shannon, Gemma, Julianna, Malakai, and Margaret.

Ellis was predeceased by his parents, Deacon Ellis and Elizabeth, and brother Benedict Schweitzer.

Friends may call at Dunlope-Shorac Funeral Home, 215 Fernwood Road, Wintersville, Ohio on Friday, September 8th from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. Vigil service at 6:45 p.m. Funeral liturgy with mass will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 9th at Holy Family Catholic Church, 2655 Alexander Blvd., Steubenville with Fr. Drake McCalister officiating. Burial at Richmond Union Cemetery. Following the burial, Ellis's family invites everyone to a reception at the Amsterdam VFW, 412 Liberty Street, Amsterdam, Ohio 43903.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to:

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network (BCAN)

4520 East-West Hwy Suite 610

Bethesda, MD 20814

Ohio Farm Bureau Foundation

Jefferson County

2146 E High Ave

New Philadelphia, OH 44663