Junior G Ely, age 73, of Carlisle, passed away Monday, November 21, 2016 at his residence.

He was born on Friday, September 3, 1943, in Hegins Twp, a son of the late Gilbert J Ely and the late Rose Sabatino Ely.

He was a 1961 graduate of Tri-Valley High School, where he played on the school's first interscholastic football team.

During his late teens he worked at Twin Valley Farmers' Exchange, Hegins and then moved to Carlisle where he worked for at the former Cincinnati Milicron, manufacturing metal cutting and grinding wheels and then worked for AMES TRU TEMPER, a manufacturer of lawn and garden tools until his retirement..

JR's interests included small game and deer hunting with his friends from Schuylkill County, fishing for bass on the Juniata River, shooting sporting clays, and attending Penn State football games, which included trips to Syracuse, Ohio State, Northwestern, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, and Michigan State. He also enjoyed getting together with friends at the Mechanicsburg Club, where the discussion usually focused on Penn State football or Indy and NASCAR racing.

Preceding him in death in addition to his parents were a brother, Paul Ely and an infant sister, Rose Marie Ely.

He is survived by a son, Michael A Ely of Gratz; a daughter, Jeanette M Ely of Carlisle; seven grandchildren; and a great granddaughter.

Services were held at 11am on Wednesday, November 30, 2016, at the Buffington-Reed Funeral Home, Valley View, with Rev. Curtis Zemencik officiating.

Visitation was held from 10 to 11am on Wednesday at the funeral home.

Burial was made in Friedens Cemetery, Hegins.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.buffingtonreed.com .