Donald J. Ellwood, 94, of Galena, IL, died Tuesday morning, April 9, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 12:30 PM, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at the Furlong Funeral Chapel, Galena, where friends may call after 11 AM until the time of service. Burial will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Galena. He was born July 18, 1929, in Bellwood, IL, the only son of Howard and Sheila (Recobs) Ellwood. He is joining Nancy (Feltes), his wife of fifty-seven years, who preceded him in death in 2006. They were married on May 14, 1949, at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Chicago, and had eleven children. Don served as a Captain in the Chicago Fire Department and retired after forty years of service. He enjoyed his hobbies and his art. Don was a talented watercolorist, stained glass craftsman, and furniture maker. He and Nancy were avid antique collectors and operated several shops in Galena over the years. Don was a member of The Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, where he participated in many public and private events and earned the title Emeritus. It is said that when he practiced the bagpipes, he could be heard throughout the Galena countryside. Donald will be sadly missed. He is survived by eight of his eleven children, Kathleen (Keith) Fowler, Jaclyn (William) Houy, Kevin (Martha) Ellwood, John (Lauren) Ellwood, Brian (Donna) Ellwood, Thomas (Tim Clarke) Ellwood, Margaret (Paul) Graziano, Sheila (John) Bellizzi, a daughter-in-law, Margie Ellwood, twenty-eight grandchildren and twenty-three great-grandchildren, and his companion Karen Kumbera and loving uncle to his many nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and three children, Peggy, Timothy, and Gregory. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your favorite charity in Don’s memory.