Eugene L. Ely

Eugene Leroy Ely was lucky enough to celebrate his 98th birthday this past September 23, surrounded by family at his assisted living community in Berlin, MD. He was slowing down yet remarkably spry before he passed, peacefully, on Sunday, November 9.

He is survived by his daughters Janice Tinley (Terry) and Karen Zduriencik (the late Mark Zduriencik), and son, Karl (Kathy); as well as grandchildren Jared Rockstroh (Becky), Jenna Robertson (Raymond), Austin Zduriencik (Danielle), Nick Zduriencik (Mariana), and Jessie Prue (Chris); plus great-grandchildren Grant, Nolan, Blair, Delaney, Aaron, and Maddison.

Gene was one of five children, with Walter, Charles, Edward, and Katherine. At 17, he joined the Seabees; his unit was enroute to Japan after a posting in Guam when the war ended. (He disliked boats ever after.) The young Baltimore native met Edna Bardroff, the love of his life, and pursued a career as an electrician; not long after he took over the warehouse management position with Riggs Distler, following in the footsteps of his father and brother. He credits Edna and her mo, Elsie, for supporting him in this lifelong role. He and Edna built a home on McCormick Avenue in northeast Baltimore; he lovingly crafted much of the finishing touches himself. Elsie came to live with them after Karl was born, to "help out." Gene often talked about how he may not have appreciated this at the time, but he sure did in retrospect--it gave them the chance for weekends away and the occasional evening out. And time for baseball throwing and volunteering at Epiphany Church, their home away from home.

So when he and Edna decided to retire at the beach-at the young age of 63-he found many outlets for that building prowess. In those three happy decades in Ocean City, MD and Ocean View, DE, he spent his days in the garage building benches and plant stands, which Edna painted with beach scenes and more. Over the last couple decades, he replaced those hobbies with hours of challenging jigsaw puzzles. He loved the Colts and Orioles, his port wine, and most of all, his family.

He never lost his sense of humor, his joyful demeanor. Even in his last week, he was apologizing to the doctors for not hearing well, and thanking all of the nurses ("Hon") for treating him so well.

He was a kind dad and granddad and father-in-law, a true gentleman loved by all who met him. He will be missed.

A private "celebration of life" will be held at the Ely residence in Maryland.