Edward B. Ollis, kind, hardworking man
Edward B. Ollis would like you all to know that he is officially retired—his work here is done. He received “the call,” or more accurately, an offer he couldn’t refuse, for a trip from which he won’t be returning. He is headed to the heavens, where his new position comes with an excellent sign-on bonus, a joyful reunion with family and friends, and the highest level of job security imaginable. There, the grass grows perfectly for him to cut to his heart’s content, followed by an eternal happy hour where the VO and water flow endlessly.
Ed, the son of William and Frances Ollis, passed away peacefully Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, surrounded by his family. Born Sept. 25, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pa., and raised in Collingdale, Pa., he was a proud graduate of Collingdale High School. His senior class voted him “Least Likely to Succeed,” a prediction he delighted in proving wrong. He worked for Jones Fuel, Scott Paper, and in the family garage-door business before joining his brothers, Roger, Bill and Jim, in forming Ollis Brothers after their father’s passing in 1964. For more than 60 years, the Ollis name became known throughout the region for integrity and craftsmanship in both residential and commercial garage door installation.
After retiring from the trade in 2006, Ed moved to Long Neck to begin the next chapter of his life. Never one to sit still—whether relaxing, boating, fishing, crabbing, or even just mowing his own lawn—Ed soon took on the role of the community’s first official neighborhood grass cutter. A few years later, deciding grass alone wasn’t enough to keep him busy, he expanded into pulling and servicing pontoon boats, and managing the community boatyard. Always happy to get involved, Ed also served several terms as president of Mariners Cove Homeowners Association.
In addition to his parents, Ed was predeceased by his brother, Roger; sister-in-law, Janet Ollis; and his son-in-law, David Colletti. He is survived by his wife, Pam; daughters, Karen Chamberlain (Fran), Donna Ollis, Kim Latchem (Joe) and Wendy Colletti; and the mother of his children, Sue Ollis (John). He is also survived by his grandchildren, Bryan Chamberlain, Jeff Chamberlain (Jeannine), Brandon Chamberlain, Jennifer Chamberlain (Andrew), Ronnie Carrea (Barbara), Angelina Beck (Ryan), Gianna Colletti and Enzio Colletti; and his great-grandchildren, Veronica Bollinger, Remy Beck, Kinsley Chamberlain, Brooklyn Carrea, and a new great-grandchild expected in April 2026. Ed is also survived by his siblings, Bill Ollis (Joan) of West Chester, Pa., Jim Ollis (Kathy) of Brigantine, N.J., and Joan Wren (Bob) of Fernandina Beach, Fla.
A Celebration of Life will be a private event for invited guests.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sons of AMVETS, c/o AMVETS Post 2, 32592 Long Neck Road, Millsboro, DE 19966; or American Legion Post 28, 31768 Legion Road, Millsboro, DE 19966.
