Richard Ellison Jr., Montco pediatrician

Richard T. Ellison Jr., 90, of Abington, a longtime pediatrician in Montgomery County, died Saturday, Dec. 14, of lymphoma at Rydal Park.

Dr. Ellison graduated from St. George's School, Newport, R.I., in 1941, and earned a bachelor's degree in 1947 from the University of Pennsylvania.

He completed his medical degree at the University of Virginia in 1952 and served an internship at Abington Memorial Hospital, followed by a pediatric residency at St. Christopher's Hospital from 1953 to 1955.

He served in the Army from 1942 to 1945 as a surgical technician stationed on the mainland and in Hawaii. He was discharged with the rank of sergeant.

After his residency, Dr. Ellison practiced pediatrics at Abington Memorial Hospital from 1955 to 1995. During 12 of those years, ending in 1988, he served as the hospital's chief of pediatrics.

After retiring, he lived in Abington.

He was an avid golfer and duplicate bridge player. A member of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior in Jenkintown for 50 years, he served on the vestry and as rector's warden. He enjoyed church ritual.

In person, Dr. Ellison was warm, fair-minded and kind, but also competitive.

"He was adamant about rules and would hold everyone to them," said his son, Richard III.

He shared with his sister, the late Mary Ellison Hastings, an interest in needlecraft, and donated needlepoint-covered cushions for kneelers. He learned the craft from his mother.

Besides his son, he is survived by his wife of 63 years, the former Jean Holsclaw; sons John and Stephen; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior, 821 Homestead Rd., Jenkintown. Burial is private.