Mr. Carter passed away peacefully on January 16, 2011 at the age of 91.
Ellsworth was born in New York City on February 19, 1919, to Emma and Samuel Carter and grew up in Long Island City. Through a tragic accident his father became disabled and Ellsworth became the sole support to his family at the age of 16. He realized his dream of becoming a pilot and furthering his education was lost, thus started a 51 year career as a truck driver. He tried several times to serve his country, but was denied because he was the sole supporter of his family. Finally, at the age of 25 he served in the US Navy from 1944-1946 as First-Class Fireman.
On March 10, 1946, Ellsworth married the love of his life Hazel and shared 64 years together. After the birth of their fourth child they moved from Levittown , LI, to Hauppauge. After their retirement in 1987 they moved to Palm Harbor , Florida , where they enjoyed retirement and he was able to rekindle his passion for flying with building and flying radio control airplanes. They recently moved to Abbey Delray in October of 2009 to live close to their daughter's family, Dale and Roger Kirk.
It was through his example of dealing with adversity that he taught us the most important lesson -- to be the "BEST" at whatever you do. He was….the Best truck driver, the Best husband, the Best dad, the Best grandfather…. He used his GI money to take some photography classes, a passion that he maintained throughout his life with his family being his favorite subject.
Survivors include his wife Hazel; two sons, Donald (Wendy) Carter of Lancaster, PA, and Gary (Jolene) Carter of Inverness, FL; two daughters, Dale (Roger) Kirk of Boynton Beach, FL, and Ursula Carter of Holbrook, NY; 12 grandchildren, Kristin, Christopher, Jason, Melissa, Justin, Katie, Samantha, Kyle, Kandace, Kenny, Nicholle, and Brian; and four great-grandchildren Carter, Kacey, Cassidy, and Cole.
Funeral services will be held 4:00 PM Wednesday, January 19, 2011, at BOYNTON MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 800 W. Boynton Beach Blvd, Boynton Beach, FL, with the Rev. Dick Lewallen, Chaplain of Abbey Delray, officiating. Friends may call from 2:00 PM until service time on Wednesday at the funeral home. Those who wish may make contributions to the Bethesda Memorial Fund, 2815 S. Seacrest Blvd., Boynton Beach, FL 33435 in his memory.