Rob Elowitch, known to wrestling fans as Robbie Ellis, passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2025, at the age of 82.
A lifelong resident of Portland, Maine, Rob Elowitch was cherished both locally and nationally for his dual identity as a professional wrestler and a fine arts advocate.
His death has left a deep void in the hearts of those who admired his vibrant spirit and multifaceted life.
While the cause of death has not been publicly disclosed, tributes have poured in from across the country.
Remembering Rob Elowitch, Maine’s Wrestling Icon and Cultural Visionary
Born on April 8, 1943, Rob’s wrestling persona, Robbie Ellis, was anything but ordinary.
A graduate of Deering High School, he met his lifelong partner, Annette Lyons, there, and the two went on to share 60 years of marriage.
He later attended Amherst College, where he majored in Theater and even had one of his plays staged, featuring actor Ken Howard.
After initially working in his family’s tire business, Rob followed his passion for art and co-founded Barridoff Galleries in downtown Portland with Annette.
Starting with antique furniture and prints, the gallery soon evolved into a respected hub for fine paintings and art auctions.
In the wrestling world, Rob was best known by his ring name, Robbie Ellis.
Trained by legends Killer Kowalski and Bill Graham, he made his debut in 1966.
He competed for decades across the New England and Mid-Atlantic indie circuits, as well as internationally in Europe.
His charisma and distinctive persona earned him memorable nicknames such as “The Sports Illustrated Legend” and “America’s Sexiest Sexagenarian Superstud.”
His unusual double life as an art dealer and professional wrestler drew significant mainstream media attention.
This included a Sports Illustrated feature titled “The Walter Mitty of the Mat” and the acclaimed documentary Canvasman: The Robbie Ellis Story.
Even after retiring from active competition in 2012, he returned in 2014 as the storyline owner of the Chikara promotion.
His contributions to the sport were honored with his induction into the New England Pro Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2008.
His passing deeply saddened the Portland community, where he was remembered for his achievements in the art and wrestling worlds.
His family, friends, and the entire Portland community are grieving the loss.
The Green Mountain Wrestling paid tribute to Rob, saying:
Green Mountain Wrestling is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of GMW original Rob “Robbie Ellis” Elowitch. A remarkable man both in and out of the ring, Robbie was a two-time GMW Lightweight Champion, introducing the title in 1996 as its inaugural holder before reclaiming it in 1997.
His extraordinary life was captured in the documentary Canvasman: The Robbie Ellis Story, which chronicled his dual passions in the art world and in professional wrestling.
An inspirational figure and a beloved presence in the New England and Northeast wrestling scene, “The Sports Illustrated Legend” Robbie Ellis will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege to meet him or see him perform.
Thank you for the memories, Mr. Elowitch.
Renowned wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer posted on X, expressing:
Sorry to hear about the death of Robbie Ellis (Rob Elowitch), who got a lot of mainstream attention for being a wrestler and owning an art gallery.
Rob is survived by his devoted wife of 60 years, Annette Lyons Elowitch; their children, Jennifer and Sam; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frances and Julius “Yudy” Elowitch, as well as his sister Linda Abromson and her husband, Joel Abromson.
His funeral service was held at Etz Chaim Synagogue, followed by interment at Temple Beth El Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to the Portland Museum of Art.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Rob Elowitch’s family, friends, and well-wishers.
Rest In Peace, Legend!
