Claude Winslow Ely Jr.'s Obituary
The Very Rev. Claude Winslow Ely, 96, of Bradentown, FL, formerly of Mount Laurel, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2022. Devoted husband to Ann Ely (nee Garcia). Dear father to Robert Smith Ely (Debbie) of Cherry Hill, NJ, and Elizabeth “Beth” Ely Torres. Grandfather to Claudia Michele Ely, Alberto Torres Jr and Alejandro Torres Jr. Claude was predeceased by his parents and siblings.
Claude married Lillian Emma Smith in 1950, and they had two children, Robert (1954) and Elizabeth (1961). Claude loved driving and took the family on annual vacations around the country. He shared his love of music with his children. While serving as the choir director at St. Stephen’s in the 1960s and 1970s, Fr. Conklin, former rector of St. Stephen’s, convinced him to pursue his vocation. He attended seminary in Philadelphia, and was ordained in 1972. His first assignment was at Christ Church, Bordentown as curate, and shortly afterwards he became the rector of Christ Church, Trenton. He retired from that church in the late 1990s.
Claude became a widower after 45 years of marriage when Lillian passed away in 1996. In 2007 he married the widow of another priest, Ann Garcia Gerhart. They were married for 15 years.
A gathering of friends and family will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church prior to the service, from 10am to 11am. His funeral mass will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Beverly at 11am. Burial will follow at Locustwood Memorial Park in Cherry Hill, NJ at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Claude’s name may be made to hospice care of your choice.
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