Robert Jason Elowitch

PORTLAND – Robert Jason Elowitch, a lifelong Portland resident, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 7, 2025, at the age of 82.

Born in Portland on April 8, 1943, he remained deeply connected to his hometown. He attended Deering High School, where he began dating his future wife and lifelong partner, Annette Lyons Elowitch. Their bond was a happy and devoted partnership that included 60 years of marriage. Rob often shared that he felt like the luckiest man in the world to be married to Annette.

Rob graduated from Amherst College, where he studied Theater. A play he wrote at Amherst was staged there and featured actor Ken Howard. Following college, Rob worked for a time for his family’s business, Maine Rubber International and Yudy’s Tires.

After becoming involved with fine art through his volunteer work at the Temple Beth El art show, he left the family business to create Barridoff Galleries in downtown Portland with Annette. Though Barridoff began by featuring antique furniture and prints, its focus soon became old and new paintings and fine art auctions. Rob was particularly proud to have helped launch the careers of many local artists.

During his time at Barridoff, Rob also had a unique “double life” as a professional wrestler. This other side of Rob, known as “Robbie Ellis”, brought him considerable acclaim, including a feature story in Sports Illustrated and a documentary film,“Canvasman”, created by Gary Robinov and screened at the Maine Jewish Film Festival. Even after he stopped wrestling, Rob maintained his lifelong passion for working out, a pursuit that reflected both his discipline and zest for life.

Family was central to Rob’s world, including his wife Annette; their daughter Jennifer and her husband, Douglas Chene; their son, Sam and his wife Leah Binder; and their cherished grandchildren, Nate Ward-Chene, Henry Elowitch, Kacey Elowitch, Asher Chene, and Lucy Chene. Rob took great pride in watching his family grow and flourish.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frances and Julius “Yudy” Elowitch; his sister, Linda Abromson and brother-in-law, Joel Abromson.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m. at Etz Chaim Synagogue at 267 Congress St. in Portland. The service will be followed by interment at Temple Beth El Memorial Park. A gathering at Etz Chaim will follow the interment.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Portland Museum of Art.