Rev. Ellsworth Davidson Comins, Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Hampton – The Reverend Ellsworth Davidson Comins, Jr., was called home to his Heavenly Father Tuesday, May 24, 2022 – beloved husband, father, uncle, cousin, grandfather, great-grandfather, and minister to many in his lifetime, at age 90 after a valiant battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Ellsworth was born in Springfield, MA, the son of Ellsworth Davidson Comins, Sr., and Elizabeth Y. (Sherman) Comins. He was a graduate of Yale University, Yale Divinity School and the Boston University School of Theology. Ordained in the church in which he grew up, Old First Church, Springfield, he went on to serve congregational churches of the United Church of Christ in Boxford, Framingham, and Merrimac, MA. Ellsworth married his high school sweetheart Norma Wilson of Longmeadow, MA in 1954, and together they raised a daughter Jane Elizabeth Comins McCord (Thomas) of Reading, MA, and a son James Davidson Comins (Marissa Peck) of Lafayette, CA. We share so many cherished memories of those years of camping trips and hikes, skiing, school days, Holly the Collie, Pleasure Beach, love and laughter. Ellsworth married Denyse Lemire in 1997, and they shared over 25 wonderful years together, celebrating family gatherings and weddings, supporting Cecile Lemire (Memé) as she grew older, welcoming grandchildren and being faithful supporters at their sporting events, and even venturing to Paris. In addition to Denyse, Jane, Jim, and their spouses, and former wife Norma, Ellsworth leaves behind Denyse’s family: Stephanie Bartlett & David Scala of Rye, Geoff & Judi Youngclaus of Kingston, Jennifer & Ronan O’Doherty of Dover, and Sarah & Jeff Smith, also of Kingston. He was the proud grandfather of Kendall and Kelsey Comins, Colin Brown, Ali and Drew Peterson, Kylie and Keegan Youngclaus, Cameron Youngclaus, Sean & Meaghan O’Doherty, and Lexi and Carli Smith, and newly a great-grandfather to Jax. Ellsworth was predeceased by his sister Mary Louise Comins Crozier, his nephew Scott Crozier, and his great-nephew John Povey. Also mourning his passing are Mary Lou’s spouse Donna St. Germain and niece Martha Crozier Povey, great- nieces Kaity Povey and Maya, and many nieces and nephews from the Wilson family. He leaves behind also his cousins Joni Reed of West Springfield, MA and Ruth Fields of Enfield, CT, and their families, and many cherished friends. A talented pianist, classically trained, he loved music and delighted in sitting down at the piano, able to play almost anything he heard by ear. A scholar and teacher of theology and the Bible, history and current events, his sermons were rich indeed, even if sometimes prepared late on a Saturday night. Most beloved of all were Ellsworth’s smile, sparkling blue eyes, warm heart and welcoming hugs and handshakes, and he will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. Ellsworth loved all his family dearly, felt blessed to have been called to serve in ministry, and continued to serve in volunteer roles after his retirement. He enjoyed the outdoors and was a life-long swimmer. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, June 7, 2022 from 6 pm to 8 pm at the Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette, Road, Hampton. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 at the First Congregational Church of Hampton, 127 Winnacunnet Road, Hampton. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Congregational Church of Hampton, or to Partners in Health in Haiti

Rev. Ellsworth Davidson Comins, Jr.

February 20, 1932 - May 24, 2022