Dr. Richard Romaine Ellis died around 12:30 Thursday morning August 26, 2010 at the age of 82 from cancer. Richard, Dick to those who knew him, was so many things in his life. Most recently, he was a Professor of Applied Psychology at NYU, but at various times in his life he was a musician (he played a mean trumpet), a band leader (how he helped pay for college), a disc jockey, a cowboy, a photographer, an educator, a therapist and a mentor, among many others.

Dick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dr. Laura Ellis. He also leaves behind his two children, Claudia and David, his brother Jack, 5 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren - including two sets of boy-girl twins. Born in a small town in the state of Washington, Dick had an extraordinary respect for the world - particularly the nature around him, was deeply interested in the well-being of those less fortunate than him and had a way of telling a story that allowed you to enjoy hearing the same ones over and over again.

Dick and Laura were world travelers visiting North America, Europe, South America, Africa and Antarctica. Every time they returned, he would regale his family with glorious pictures and stories of their travels, their insights into other cultures and their newfound appreciation for wherever they returned from.

At his 80th birthday party two years ago, his family gathered in a private room to bask in his stories and laughter. Each person who attended contributed songs to a CD his family gave him, because all who knew Dick were touched by his passion for music - especially Jazz and Classical.

The funeral will take place on Friday, August 27, 2010 at Campbell-Ennis- Klotzbach Funeral Home, Phoenixville, Pa. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made in Dick's name to Montgomery Home Care & Hospice, 25 W. Fornance Street, Norristown, PA 19401 (610.272.1080).