John Frederick Ely, Sr. Phd

RALEIGH - John Frederick Ely, Sr., PhD was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 20, 1930. After a brief illness, he died peacefully on February 19, 2016. John attended Purdue University, where he met his future bride, Joyce Stroman Ely. They were married in 1953, which he said was his proudest moment. Following a short time in the Army Corps of Engineers, John received his Masters of Science and PhD degrees in Engineering from Northwestern University. In 1963, the family moved to Raleigh, N.C. where Dr. Ely was a Professor of Civil Engineering and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at North Carolina State University. After 32 years, Dr. Ely retired from NCSU.  John was also very involved in the community and local politics.  He participated in a program to train public safety officers about mental illnesses and disabilities and how to support individuals with these challenges.  He also volunteered at elementary schools educating students in the basics of engineering.  This volunteer activity resulted in his being selected as the Volunteer of the Week by the local newspaper.  One of his most favorite passions was playing Dixieland music with his Salty Dog Jazz Band.  Having played with a similar band at Purdue, he started the Raleigh Salty Dog Jazz Band in 1965.  The band played throughout the area as recently as this past year.  John was the band leader, story teller, trumpet player and sometimes vocalist. Preceding John in death were his parents, Bessie Marr Ely and John Ira Ely, older sister and only sibling, Betsy Ely; wife Joyce Stroman Ely; oldest daughter Terry J. Ely-Schonenberger; his faithful golden retriever Ginger and collies Laddy and Lassie. John is survived by daughter Echo E. Eldridge and spouse John of Colorado Springs, CO.; daughter Carole E. Acquesta and spouse Michael of Todd, N.C.; son John F. Ely, Jr. of Maurepas, Louisiana; son Carlton M. Ely and spouse Lisa of Raleigh, N.C., five grandchildren and his golden retriever and beloved companion Clyde. A celebration of Johns life will be held at The Ballroom of The Cypress Club of Raleigh, 8801 Cypress Lakes Drive, Raleigh, N.C. 27615 on February 27, 2016 at 2:00 PM. The family will receive friends after the service until 4:00 PM.  Given that John was a staunch NCSU fan, attendees are encouraged to celebrate with him in their favorite Wolfpack attire, although rival attire would also bring a smile to his face.  Arrangements for cremation have been made with Bryan-Lee Funeral Homes of Raleigh. The family thanks the caregivers at The Rosewood of The Cypress of Raleigh for providing him with compassionate and loving care. In his memory, donations may be made to the Neuse River Golden Retriever Rescue.