Joseph W. Ely Jr., 79, of Canastota

DEC. 31, 1937-MARCH17,2017

CANASTOTA>> Joseph W. Ely Jr., 79, Roberts Street, died Friday, March 17, 2017, surrounded by his family, in Crouse Hospital, Syracuse, where he had been admitted earlier in the day.

Born in Canastota, on Dec. 31, 1937, he was a son of Joseph W. and Retha Spencer Ely Sr. A lifelong resident of the Canastota area, Joe was educated in Canastota schools. He married Barbara Armlin in Chittenango, on Feb. 14, 1959.

Prior to his retirement, Joe was employed for over 20 years with Conrail and previously had been employed with the General Electric Corporation. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, motorsports, working on cars and building his own home, but especially loved his grandchildren.

Surviving besides his wife, Barbara, are his two daughters, Deborah Wehnar and Brenda L. Field, both of Canastota; his son and daughter-inlaw, Christopher J. and Mary Ely of Chittenango; his five grandchildren, Derek Field, Brian Field, Andrea Field and her fi- ancé, Anthony Musacchio, Jacob Ely and Benjamin Ely; his greatgrandson, Connor Field; his brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Frenette Ely of Statesville, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Gary Ely and two sisters, Diane Johansen and Nina Ely.

Funeral services will be held, Saturday, at the convenience of the immediate family, from the Campbell-Dean Funeral Home, Inc., 300 S. Peterboro St., Canastota, with the Rev. Donna Chapman, officiating. Private interment will be made in Lenox Rural Cemetery. There are no public hours of visitation. Contributions, in his memory, may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 6390 Fly Road, East Syracuse, N.Y. 13057 or St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn. 39015.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.campbell-dean.com. CAMPBELL-DEAN FUNERAL HOME, INC. Canastota