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Coburn “Coby” Ellingwood passed away peacefully at his home on February 3 at the age of 98 with Trish his beloved wife of 37 years by his side. Coby was born in Bridgton Maine on August 12, 1926 and grew up in Newton, Massachusetts. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps during World War II and was honorably discharged. Coby was proud of his service and throughout the years, supported our troops and enjoyed sharing stories of his service with the children Trish taught and worked with throughout the years.

After the war, Coby was a creator of specialized tools, a salesman and distributor of small tools, sold automobiles and in the last 35 years he was a travel agent in Rye and Purchase. His work as a travel agent gave Coby and Trish the opportunity to travel much of the United States and the world which included Ukraine and Russia and most of Europe, China, Australia, New Zealand and a safari in Tanzania. There was always an airline ticket on the desk for the next trip.

It was in Maine that he met the love of his life, Trish (Coyle) Ellingwood. They were married in a small village at the foot of the Alps in Bavaria, Germany in August 1987.

Coby was an active and devoted member of the Rye Rotary where for over 25 years he organized an annual trip to Bermuda for the Rotary Clubs of district 7230. For 30+ years the highlight of Coby’s day was being a member of the OBIB (old boys in back) for daily breakfast at Poppy’s Café in Rye NY.  Coby lived a life full of enthusiasm, optimism and joy. He was quick to laugh and make others smile wherever he was. Everyone felt better after meeting with Coby and being in his presence.

Donations may be made to Rye Rotary Foundation PO Box 404.

Visitation -
 
Friday, February 7, 2025
4:00PM - 7:00PM
Graham Funeral Home
1036 Boston Post Rd.
Rye, NY 10580
 

Celebration of Life to be at Sacred Heart Greenwich at a date to be determined.

The Rotary Club of Rye and the Rye Lions Club held their annual joint holiday luncheon at Whitby Castle on Thursday, December 19, 2023. Those assembled enjoyed a buffet lunch and melodies from the Midland School choir (see the video below).
 
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Club Information
We meet In Person
Fridays at 12:00 p.m.
303 Boston Post Rd.
Rye, NY 10580
United States
Join our Club!
Thank you for visiting with us and for your interest in Rye City Rotary.   We hope the readily available information on our web site will help you keep up-to-date with our programs and activities, and contribute to your learning about our club and its role in the community.  
 
You can receive additional information including how to be proposed for membership from any of our club members or by contacting: 
 
Michele Thomas: Immediate Past-President, Membership Co-Chair
Office: 914-925-8286
 
Melanie Ciraco: Director, Membership Co-Chair
Cell: 917 991-4724
Email: ciraco.melanie@gmail.com

WHY JOIN ROTARY

Service Opportunities
Club members have many opportunities for humanitarian service, both locally and internationally. Service programs address such concerns as health care, hunger, poverty, illiteracy, and the environment. Rotarians experience the fulfilment that comes from giving back to the community.
 
Professional Networking
A founding principle of Rotary was to meet periodically to enjoy camaraderie and enlarge 
one’s circle of business and professional acquaintances. As the oldest service club in the world, Rotary club members represent a cross-section of the community’s owners, executives, managers, political leaders, and professionals - people who make decisions and influence policy.
 
International Awareness
With more than 35,000 clubs in over 220 countries & geographical areas, Rotarians gain an understanding of humanitarian issues through international service projects and exchange programs. One of Rotary’s highest objectives is to build goodwill and peace throughout the world.
 
Friendship
Rotary was founded on fellowship, an ideal that remains a major attraction of membership to- day. Club members enjoy the camaraderie with like-minded professionals, and club projects offer additional opportunities to develop enduring friendships. Rotary club members who travel have friendly contacts in almost every city in the world.
 
Good Citizenship
Weekly Rotary club programs keep members informed about what is taking place in the community, nation, and world and motivated to make a difference.
 
Family Foundations
Rotary sponsors some of the world’s largest youth exchange, educational exchange, and scholarship programs. Rotary clubs provide innovative training opportunities and mentoring for young leaders and involve family members in a wide range of social and service activities.
 
Entertainment
Social activities give Rotarians a chance to let loose and have fun. Every Rotary club and district hosts parties and activities that offer diversions from today’s demanding professional and personal schedules. Conferences, conventions, assemblies, and social events provide entertainment as well as Rotary information, education, and service.
 
Ethical Environment
Encouraging high ethical standards in one’s profession and respect for all worthy vocations has been a hallmark of Rotary from its earliest days. In their business and professional lives, Rotarians abide by The Four-Way Test:. Of the things we think, say or do:
1) Is it the TRUTH?
2) Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3) Will it BUILD GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
 
Leadership Development
Rotary is an organization of successful professionals. Team building, fundraising, public 
speaking, planning, organization, and communication are just a sampling of the leadership skills that club members can exercise and enhance. Being a Rotary leader provides further experience in learning how to motivate, inspire, and guide others.
 
Diversity in Membership
Rotary’s classification system ensures that a club’s membership represents a variety of the community’s professional men and women, including leaders in business, industry, the arts, government, sports, the military, and religion. Rotary clubs are non-political, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds.
 
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