Jonathan Drew Ely

Jonathan Drew Ely passed away in his Alexandria, Virginia home on October 25, 2025. A beloved husband and father, he was age 76. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 19, 1948, he served in the Vietnam War with the 82nd Airborne Division; as an advisor to South Vietnamese troops in 1968-69, he was awarded an Army Commendation Medal for Meritorious Service. Following his return to the United States, he worked as a New York City cab driver before leaving to finish his studies abroad on the GI bill. He lived in Munich, Germany, for 14 years, working as a stage hand at the Münchner Kammerspiele while he completed his Masters degree in Greek Philology, Latin Philology, and Philosophy. As a Classicist, he taught Latin and Ancient Greek to students of all ages throughout his life; he was known by his students as a passionate educator who cared deeply about sharing his love for language and making the classroom a fun and engaging environment. Jonathan is survived by his wife, Shelly Maureen Bird (age 65), who lives in Alexandria, Virginia, and their child, Artemis Haakon Ely (age 25), who lives in Indianapolis, Indiana. There will be no public memorial service.