Wilbur Ely

As a young man Wilbur served to protect our freedom. He enlisted at a young age in the Navy. A Gunner’s Mate Third Class, he was a participant in the Normandy invasion. He returned home and worked for many years as a plumber with Heppard Plumbing and raised his family. Later years found him bonding with his granddaughter with their regular coffee talks. They’d share some secrets and take in a few old westerns and war movies. Life never needed to be complicated: Wilbur enjoyed his lazy boy, hoagies from the Meat Stop, the occasional Budweiser and the sounds of Patsy Cline and Johnny Cash.

He was the husband of the late Anna (nee Melvin) and is survived by his daughter, Bonnie Szutarski (Gerry), his granddaughter, Ashley, two sister, Catherine Shaw of Cape May and Almeda McPeak of West Virginia, and his brother-in-law William Melvin and family of Willingboro. He was pre-deceased by his son, Arthur.

Come celebrate 93 great years Friday 10:30 a.m. at Beverly National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations to the Burlington County Animal Shelter, www.co.burlington.nj.us/animalshelter, will be appreciated.