Obituary of Joseph L Ely

Joseph Leo Ely, Jr. of Woodland Park and Spring Lake, NJ Joe spent his career in the family business, Brogan Cadillac and was Vice President of Brogan Cadillac of Totowa. At one time Joe was the President of Brogan Cadillac/Oldsmobile Inc. of North Brunswick, NJ. He spent his summers on the Jersey Shore in Spring Lake where he was a member of the Spring Lake Golf Club and the Spring Lake Bath and Tennis Club. It is difficult to capture in words what Joe meant to all those he left behind. To his wife Judi, he was a devoted husband. He took care of Judi in a way that always left her feeling loved, valued, and special. To his sons, he was a loving father who was a companion on their adventures. To his grandchildren, he was Grandpa, whether they were together at Jets games or on a boating adventure, they knew if they were with Grandpa, they would be having the time of their lives. To his siblings, he was eternally cheerful and good natured. To his many nieces and nephews, Uncle Joe was always fun. He taught the people around him there are so many different ways to convey love. Joe did it through experiences; by being present with them, to watch, provide, and participate in the things that brought them joy. Joe was happiest when he was by the water, boating to Barnegat Bay, Tices Shoal, and the Captains Inn. In the winter Joe made frequent visits to Key West to visit friends at Ricks and the Schooner Warf. Whether it was dinner at the club, a day on the boat, an afternoon at the beach, or freezing cold at a Jets game, he always found joy when having fun with his family and surrounded by the people he loved most in the world. He taught us all to live in the moment, to enjoy what we have, to be optimistic, and to be kind. He is survived by his wife, Judith Ely of Woodland Park and Spring Lake, NJ; his three sons, Joe and Heather Ely of Brewster, NY; Chris and Lori Ely of Ballston Lake, NY; Rob Ely of Malta, NY; his five grandsons, Joey, Alex, Sean, Mason and Lincoln; his brother, and Irish Twin, Tom Ely of Spring Lake and Franklin Lakes, NJ, his three sisters; Trish (Chip) Dunn of Dickerson, MD, Melinda (Doug) Cornish of Silver Springs, MD, Liz (Bob) Divine of Vienna, VA; his grandmother, Millie Brogan of Bal Harbor, FL and Spring Lake, NJ; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is pre-deceased by his father Joseph L Ely, Sr; his mother Patricia Brogan Ely; and his sister, Ellen Daniels. Services are to be at a date determined in the future when a true celebration of his life can be held with all who love him. Arrangements are by Festa Memorial Funeral Home. 111 Union Blvd., Totowa, NJ