Daniel G. Ellingwood, 78, of Manchester, NH, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday January 7, 2026, following a period of declining health. He was born on February 21, 1947 in East Derry, NH, and raised and educated in Derry. He was a son of the late John and Ellen (Murphy) Ellingwood. Daniel had resided in Manchester for the past 15 years, formerly living in Bristol, NH. Daniel proudly served his country in the US Army during Vietnam. He started his postal career at the Derry Post Office and retired as the Post Master at the Bristol, NH Post Office.
He is survived by his two sons, Jason Ellingwood and his wife Terri of Spring Hill, FL; Eric Ellingwood and his significant other Cyndi Williams of Raymond NH; his significant other of 37 years Brenda Leighton; Dan’s grandchildren, Freddy and Cole Ellingwood; Brenda’s children Lynn Martino and her husband Joshua of TX; Andrew Porzio and his wife Alexia of TN; grandchildren, Maia, Talia, Ava, and Calie; three brothers, Jack Ellingwood and wife Brenda of Salem, MA, James Ellingwood of TX, and Bill Kendall and wife Doris of FL; former wife and lifelong friend, Barb Ellingwood; as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his sister-in-law, Brenda Ellingwood in July of 2025.
He had many lifelong friends, most of which were part of his graduating class at Pinkerton, the Terrific Class of 1966. These friends and their youthful antics are what shaped him and his sense of humor. He never lost sight of these great memories and loved to share his stories.
Dan lived a life defined by devotion to his sons and grandsons. Each and every, Thursday night he would sit with Eric and, as he would put it “solve all the worlds problems”, no one listened to their solutions, so ritually they met the next Thursday to try again. He would reminisce about the many trips they had taken when Eric and Jason were young, and all the trouble that surely followed them on their adventures. Dan instilled his love of classic cars, especially his Mustang, in his sons which had been passed to his grandsons. He is remembered for his listening ears and much sought after advice on life. His kindhearted nature was genuine, yet he still had room left to be cynical.
Calling hours will be held on Tuesday January 13, 2026 from 5 – 7 pm in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 15 Birch St., Derry with a time of sharing to begin at 6:45 pm. Burial will be at a later date in the NH State Veteran’s Cemetery, Boscawen, NH.