Donald E. Ellison

Donald Eugene Ellison was born on April 30, 1965, in Princeton, New Jersey, to William Edward Ellison Sr. and Marjorie Swain-Ellison. After a courageous battle with cancer, he peacefully departed this life on January 27, 2026, surrounded by family and friends.

Donald was educated in the Trenton public and parochial school systems. He graduated from Trenton Central High School in 1983 and later earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Stockton University in Galloway Township, New Jersey. Following graduation, he was employed by the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement. He later joined the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, where he served in several units, including the Grand Jury Trial Unit, Special Victims Unit, Homicide Unit, Arson Unit and the Shooting Response Team. Donald was subsequently appointed Undersheriff of the Mercer County Sheriff’s Department and officially retired from county service in 2016.

Donald was an exemplary athlete whose talent became evident at an early age while attending Junior II, alongside his brother Willie, the “Ellison Boys” won two consecutive junior high school championship titles. At the age of 15, Donald led the Greater Trenton AAU team to a State Championship and later competed in the National AAU Tournament in Conway, Arkansas.

As a junior during the 1982–1983 season at McCorristin High School, Donald helped lead the Iron Mikes to the NJSIAA Parochial Championship. During his senior year, he transferred to Trenton Central High School, where he guided the Tornadoes to the Group Four Championships. Known for his toughness, leadership, determination, and distinctive style of play, Donald was often compared to a young Moses Malone.

His basketball career continued at Stockton College, where he excelled both on the court and in the classroom, helping lead the Ospreys to the Division III Final Four. In 2012, Donald was inducted into Stockton University’s Hall of Fame. He remains fourth all-time in scoring with 1,464 points and second all time in rebounds with 787. Following his collegiate career, Donald remained deeply involved in athletics, serving as a basketball and football referee with IAABO Board 193 for over 20 years and as a member of its Executive Board. In 2025, he was honored as Official of the Year by the Delaware Valley Chapter Football Foundation, receiving the Jack Millard Official Award. He also served as Assistant Commissioner of the Moody Park Basketball 
League.

In 2003, Donald joined Calvary Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Stephen P. Samuel. He served faithfully on the Trustee Board and the Security Ministry. His leadership, dedication, commitment, and easy-going personality will be deeply missed by the congregation. Brother Donald was a proud 32nd degree Mason, living his life according to the tenets of brotherly love, relief and truth. He leaves behind a legacy of service to his community and devotion to his lodge. He was a dedicated member of King David Lodge No. 15, Prince Hall Affliated, Trenton, NJ; King David Chapter No. 6, Holy Royal Arch Masons, PHA, Trenton, NJ; Ophir Consistory No. 48, Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Trenton, PHA and Khufu Temple No. 120, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Nobles Mystic Shrine, Oasis of Trenton.

Funeral service will be 11am on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at Grace Cathedral Fellowship Ministries, 1217 Rev. S. Howard Woodson, Jr. Way, Trenton NJ 08638. Calling hours will be 8:30am until the time of service at the church. Interment will be at Ewing Cemetery, Ewing NJ.

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