Henry Ely

Henry Gibson Ely Jr., 91 Longtime Montclair Resident Beloved Husband and Father Henry "Gib" Ely Jr., 91, of Summit, N.J., passed away on Tuesday, May 24, 2011, at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ, surrounded by his family. Mr. Ely was born in Newark, N.J., and was raised in Glen Ridge, NJ. He later moved to Montclair where he lived for 45 years. He then retired to Atlanta, GA where he lived for 10 years. Mr. Ely moved to Summit, NJ 6 years ago.

He was owner of The Craftsman Shop in Montclair, a respected local business for over 50 years. He was also an avid sports enthusiast, having coached junior sports and American Legion baseball through the years. He was a long- time supporter of Montclair High School athletics, where he could be seen helping out wherever and whenever needed. He continued his passion for sports after moving to Summit, where he was named the boy's lacrosse teams' #1 fan for the 2011 season.

He was the beloved husband of Doris Hughes Ely for 57 years. A devoted father and grandfather, he rarely missed an opportunity to be part of a special event for one of his children. " Dad was a man of integrity, compassion and humor who cared deeply for his family and friends. He had a personality that was larger than life. We all cherished his presence in our lives, and he will be greatly missed," his family said. Mr. Ely was predeceased by his wife, Doris, in 2003. He is survived by his eight children. Pamela and Rich Baker of Sacramento, Calif., Linda and Rand Mayo of Atlanta, Ga., Barbara and Bruce Dunlop of Houston, Tx, Stephen and Debra Ely of Atlanta, Ga., Laura and John Perkins of Verona, N.J., Tricia and Julio Enriquez of Summit, N.J., Kyle and Robin Ely of Ridgefield, Conn. and Melissa Ely of Montclair, N.J.; 14 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

Calling hours are scheduled for Sunday, June 12th from 7-9pm. at Moriarty Funeral Home, 76 Park Street, Montclair, NJ There will be a memorial service at St. James Episcopal Church, Valley Rd., Upper Montclair on Monday, June 13th at 11am. Interment will be at Mt. Hebron Cemetery, Upper Montclair, N.J. Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Atlantic Hospice 33 Bleeker St. Millburn, NJ 07041 or Story Corps, Attn: Development Department, 80 Hanson Place, Brooklyn, NY 11217, donate @storycorps.org