S. Ronald Ellison, a prominent Baltimore attorney and partner in the law firm of Fedder and Garten who was also active in local Democratic Party circles, died Tuesday of lung cancer at Union Memorial Hospital. He was 68.
Born and raised in West Baltimore, Mr. Ellison was a 1957 graduate of City College. He earned a bachelor's degree from the Johns Hopkins University in 1961 and his law degree in 1964 from the University of Maryland School of Law.
"Ronnie enjoyed gambling and liked telling the story that he put himself through Hopkins playing pinochle," said Joann Rodgers, a cousin who lives in Baltimore.
Admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1964, Mr. Ellison spent his legal career of more than four decades at Fedder and Garten, where in addition to being a partner, he was treasurer and a director of the firm.
Mr. Ellison's legal expertise was confined to taxation, finance and corporate cases, which he contemplated from a Star Trek and Beatles memorabilia-filled office at 36 S. Charles St.
"Ron was a very devoted, intelligent and competent lawyer, and we were proud to have him in the firm," said Herbert S. Garten, who has been with the firm since 1952 and is a partner.
"He handled many, many complex cases during his career," Mr. Garten said. "And there was no person I've ever met who was easier to get along with than Ronnie. No one ever had a problem of going to his office and asking for advice - even personal advice - and you came away with good advice."
Joel D. Fedder became acquainted with Mr. Ellison when both were taking a class at Hopkins' McCoy College.
"He was one of the brightest guys in the class," said Mr. Fedder, who joined the firm in 1958 and is also a partner.
"One of the most important things about Ronnie was that he suffered from health problems and often said he wouldn't live beyond 40," Mr. Fedder said. "He overcame significant health problems to be who he became. He never ever whined or complained."
Ms. Rodgers recalled that her cousin never discussed his personal life, and when asked about his health, disposed of the inquiry "with a shrug and a smile."
Frank DeFilippo, a political commentator, was a friend of Mr. Ellison's for many years.
"Just before Christmas, Ronnie had some chest pains and called an ambo, which took him to the hospital," Mr. DeFilippo said yesterday. "He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure but checked himself out of the hospital in order to go home so he could watch a Ravens game."
