ROCKLAND — George W. Ellis, 90, died peacefully Nov. 22, 2012, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born at Clark Island in St. George July 15, 1922, he was the son of Charles and Harriet Wright Ellis. Moving to Rockland at an early age, he was educated in local schools and was a 1940 graduate of Rockland High School.

George worked a few years at Bath Iron Works in Portland, before he enlisted in the United States Army. Throughout World War II, he served primarily in New Guinea and while at a dance at City Hall in Brisbane, Australia, met his future wife, Mary T. Bremner.

Following the war, Miss Bremner traveled to the United States, where the couple married in Rockland March 23, 1949. They made their home and raised their children in Rockland all their lives.

George was first employed with E.G. Foden Company in sales and distribution, covering the Eastern Maine territory. He later began employment with the U.S. Postal Service, and served 23 years as a letter carrier in Rockland.

Throughout his life he had a love for music. His son said, "Dad constantly sang and whistled around the house and probably on his mail routes. His favorites were Nat King Cole and Frank Sinatra, and later in his life, he listened to a lot of old time country and Willie Nelson. I'm sure he's still whistling..."

For several years, George enjoyed serving as the Saturday night radio announcer with the former WRKD radio station in Rockland, playing big band music.

After retiring from the Postal Service, he worked as a golf ranger at the Samoset Resort in Rockland. He was an avid New England sports fan throughout the years. He gained a great deal of pleasure watching his grandchildren play sports.

He often enjoyed being on the water and spent many summers lobstering along Crockett's Beach.

Other than his parents, George was predeceased by two brothers, Charles Ellis and Raymond Ellis. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Mary of Rockland; six children and their spouses, Brett M. Ellis, Gregory and Margit Ellis, Kathleen Norton, Charles and Gabriele Ellis, Maureen Ellis and Ted Tinson, and Anne and Robert O'Hara; nine grandchildren, Ryan Kelly, Erika and Aaron Norton, Ian and Leah Ellis, Olivia and Hilary O'Hara, and Annika and Mia Tinson; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Private family arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home in Rockland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to either Meals-on-Wheels, Making Community Happen, 36 Summer St., Rockland, ME 04841 or Rockland District Nursing, P.O. Box 1713, Rockland, ME 04841.

To share a memory or story with George's family, visit his online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.