Warren “Duffy” J. Ellsworth

GREENWOOD – Warren “Duffy” J. Ellsworth, 68, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025 at home.

Born in Caribou on Jan. 16, 1957 to Beverley and James Ellsworth. At the age of 10, he moved with his four siblings to Woodstock and stayed with the MacKillop family through his schooling. In high school, he was a passionate and talented athlete, who credited his graduation from Telstar High School in 1976 to his coaches and his ability to play sports. In his young adulthood, he worked as a T-bar operator at Mt. Abram. On June 23, 1984, he married the love of his life, Melanie Swan, and began a 41-year-long happy marriage. Duffy and Melanie built their Greenwood home with friends and family in 1987, and have remained there.

Duffy started his career in law enforcement at Oxford County Sheriff’s Department and retired from Norway Police Department. In his time in law enforcement, he earned a reputation as a small town officer who enjoyed a good chat, and had a naturally calming presence. He viewed his role as a police officer as being the person who shows up to help on someone’s worst day, and he participated in community policing programs mentoring kids. In his retirement, he found renewed purpose in being a dedicated father to his two daughters. He enthusiastically attended every sports game, recital, and ceremony. His children cherished this time with him.

Duffy was a lifelong sports fan, and played baseball for Pine Tree League at West Paris and Dixfield. He enjoyed attending high school games, snowmobiling, traveling with family, and spending time with pets. Duffy will always be remembered for his sense of humor, his convincingly gruff exterior, and tender heart. For anyone who knew him, his grumpy demeanor quickly melted away to a personality that loved to chat, joke and tease. Every trip to town became visiting hours for him to check up on friends and family. He often fulfilled a role as ‘everybody’s dad,’ and had a soft spot for many. He was a selfless family member who spent his life protecting and caring for family as both an eldest son and father.

He is survived by his wife, Melanie Ellsworth; his daughter, Naomi Ellsworth and her partner Neal Harrison-Billiat; his daughter Sadie Ellsworth and her fiancé Tanner Grant, and granddaughter Alaida Grant; his mother-in-law, Denise Swan; his sister, Susan Ellsworth, his sister, Wanda Morrow and her husband Philip Morrow, his brother, Brian Ellsworth and his fiancée Marianne Bedard, and his sister, Vickie Morton and her husband Eric Morton, his brother-in-law. Brent Swan and his wife Barbara Swan, his brother-in-law. Ross Swan and his wife Becky Swan; and nieces and nephews Monica Bean, Chad Bean, Joel Hemingway, Steven Ellsworth, Dwayne Ellsworth, Quinton Bedard, Kahlan Bedard, Andrew Morton and his wife Katie Morton, Corey Swan and his wife Taylor Swan, and Ashley Swan.

Family and friends are invited to a celebration of life on Jan. 4, 2026 from 11 to 2 p.m., with a ceremony beginning at 11:30 a.m., at 49 Franklin St., Rumford. Photos and memories are welcome.

Condolences may be shared with Duffy’s family and friends at http://www.cliffgraycremations.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Duffy’s memory to

Telstar Athletic Boosters

284 Walkers Mills Rd.

Bethel, ME 04217