Robert Ellia

OXFORD – Robert James Ellia, 74, of Old Webster Road, died Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at UMass Memorial Medical Center – University Campus in Worcester. He was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Susan Ferguson-Ellia who died in 2009. He is survived by three children, Khurston S. Ellia-Epple and her husband Chris Epple of Worcester, Erin G. Ellia of Shapleigh, ME, and Sean Ellia and his wife Laura of South Hadley, MA; a sister, Kathy Gill and her husband Greg of Sutton, NH; a brother, Michael Ellia of Fitchburg; two granddaughters, Abigail Epple and Lily Ellia; his uncle, Philip Ellia of Weymouth; and several nephews and nieces. He was born in Fitchburg, son of the late Jim and Helen (Craigen) Ellia, and lived in Fitchburg before moving to Oxford in 1972. He graduated from Fitchburg High School in 1961.

Mr. Ellia was the assessor for the Town of Shrewsbury for 24 years, retiring in 2008. Previously, he was the assessor for the Town of Oxford. He was currently the executive director of the Massachusetts Association of Assessing Officers.

A memorial Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at St. Roch’s Church, 332 Main St., Oxford. Memorial calling hours are Monday, October 23, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. at Paradis-Givner Funeral Home, 357 Main St., Oxford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the International Refugee Assistance Project at RefugeeRights.org.