William Joseph Ellena

William Joseph Ellena, 95, of Granville passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at O.S.F. Saint Anthony’s Medical Center, Rockford, IL.

Visitation will be from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Granville, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m. at the church.  Fr. Patrick DeMeulemeester will officiate.  Burial will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery with military honors conducted by Granville American Legion, VFW and US Army Honors Detail.

Dysart - Cofoid Funeral Chapel will be assisting the family with the arrangements.

William was born on April 12, 1930 in Spring Valley to William Lawrence “Bronk” and Mamie (Pomatto) Ellena.  He married Alba Zagnoni on December 15, 1953 and celebrated 71 years of marriage in 2024.

Bill graduated from Hopkins High School in 1949.  He received 12 varsity letterman awards (the only athlete to receive 12).  Bill received his Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Illinois State University in 1953.  He received his M.S. degree in Education Administration at I.S.U.   He also played football and baseball at I.S.U.  He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict.  He was a teacher and principal for Putnam County Schools for 35 years.   Bill refereed many games when he was younger.

He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and Holy Name Society. Life member of National Education Association, Illinois Principal Association, Starved Rock Area Principal’s Association, and the National Association of elementary School Principals. Bill received a 50 year member certificate from the Granville American Legion.  Bill was very active in the community and belonged to many community organizations too numerous to mention all of them. 

He enjoyed woodworking, gardening, golfing and playing cards.  He went to the Rose Bowl in 1984.  He was a sports fanatic and enjoyed being a Cubs and Bears Fan.

Survivors include his wife Alba Ellena; two sons, Bill (Barb) Ellena and Chuck (Pam) Ellena; one daughter Michelle (Steve) Jason; six grandchildren, Justin, Jarrod, Crystal, Jordan, Dustin and Tyler and nine great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother.

Pallbearers will be his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to local organizations of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made to his family at www.dcfunerals.com

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of William Joseph Ellena, please visit our floral store.