William "Bill" Hanson Ellsworth

William (Bill) Hanson Ellsworth, 87 passed away on January 29, 2021, in Gretna, Louisiana. He was preceded in death by his parents Alexander J. and Ethlyn B. Ellsworth and his siblings John Charles Ellsworth and Mignon E. Steiner. He is survived by his beloved wife and soulmate of 63 years, Rita Jo Neary Ellsworth. He is also survived by his six adoring children, Mary Beth Rittiner (Greg), Kathy Shaw-Gallagher (Ken), Deborah Lonker (Elliot), Susan Carazo (Ron), Alex Ellsworrth (Michelle), and Michele Ellsworth. He was the loving grandfather of Katie, Caroline, Gregory, Mark, Jack, Emily, Jonathan, Charles, Christian, Caroline, Ashley and Alexis and the loving great grandfather to Annabella, Adeline and Parker. Bill grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana where he graduated from Holy Cross High School in 1952. He attended Duke University, Tulane University and graduated from ULL. He served in the US Army in Korea in 1955. After returning home from serving his Country, he and Rita Jo started what would become their very large family. Bill worked in the insurance industry as a Bond Producer for over 63 years where he was admired and respected by associates and customers alike. It was genuine and well earned respect from a life lived with integrity, hard work. and treating people well. He was a wonderful storyteller and loved more than anything spending time on the Steamer Mascot. Mascot was a labor of love and always a crowd favorite at the annual Madisonville Boat Festival. In his spare time, when not on Mascot, he loved doing woodwork in his workshop. He was very talented and made gifts for his family and friends including jewelry boxes and humidors that will certainly become treasured heirlooms. Bill lived an incredible life and created a beautiful family with the one true love of his life. Together, they traveled the world and were fortunate enough to have all six of their children and their families living in the same city. His children and everyone that knew him, adored and loved him deeply. He had an unwavering faith in God and lived it every day. He will be sadly missed. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the visitation at Greenwood Funeral Home, 5200 Canal Blvd., New Orleans, on Tuesday, February 2, 2021, starting at 10:30 AM followed by a Funeral Mass in the Chapel at 12:00 noon. Burial will follow in Greenwood Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 regulations, please follow the current restrictions. Everyone attending is required to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing.

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