Obituary of Gordon H. Ely

Gordon H. Ely, 93, of Essex, CT lived a long and happy life and died peacefully on April 17, 2022 surrounded by his family. Gordon was born in Old Lyme, CT on February 22, 1929, son of Clarence Samuel Ely and Ellen (Richards) Ely. He attended Old Lyme High School and then joined the National Guard in Niantic, CT. He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan during the Korean War in 1951. Upon his return, he went to work at the L.C. Doane Co. in Essex and retired after 41 years as Chief Inspector. Gordon was a member of the Old Lyme Fire Department for 71 years. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Lois D’Addario, formerly of West Hartford, and was married for 65 years, residing in Essex since 1960. They had 3 children, Sharon (Bill) DeMars of Essex, Laurie (Rob) Friedman of Westborough, MA, and Mark (Kelli) Ely of Wethersfield. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Caitlin Corriveau (DeMars) and her husband Philip of Medford, MA, Paul and Kimberly Friedman of Westborough, MA, and Kendall and Kyle Ely of Wethersfield. He is pre-deceased by his brothers Theodore, Edwin, Donald, Joseph, John, and Robert Ely originally from Old Lyme and half-siblings Marie (Jenkins) Lancaster, Annie (Jenkins) Han and Richard Jenkins originally of East Lyme. Gordon proudly carried the American Flag in the Color Guard for many years in the Essex Memorial Day Parade. He loved his dogs, gardening, UConn Women’s Basketball and the Red Sox. But most of all he enjoyed spending time with his entire family. He will be remembered for his mischievous smile, caring nature, and generosity. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30AM on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at Our Lady of Sorrows Church, 14 Prospect Street, Essex. Internment with full military honors will be held following the Mass at Duck River Cemetery, Old Lyme. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, heart.org/plannedgiving or call 1-800-242-8721.