Joseph Lee Ely, age 67, of Clarendon, PA, passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and family, on June 13, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with leukemia and pneumonia.

Joe was born to the late Joseph (Gene) and Janet Quiggle Ely on December 25, 1958, in Warren, Pennsylvania. Joe's Christmas Day birthday fostered a lifelong love of the holidays, family gatherings, and traditions that his loved ones will cherish forever. He spent his early years in the beautiful Kinzua area before growing up in Clarendon Heights.

Joe was a man of many hats. He was a loving husband, a protective big brother, an amazing dad, and a proud and devoted Papa. He loved sports and enjoyed coaching his daughters throughout their childhood. He was always their biggest fan in everything they did-from driving the truck for marching band competitions to filming every volleyball and basketball game. For nearly 20 years, he could be found in the front row of dance recitals, cheering them on every step of the way.

Joe attended Penn State Behrend, where he pitched for the baseball team. He retired after over 40 years of dedicated work at Penelec. He was a dedicated fan of the Pittsburgh Pirates, Penn State Nittany Lions, and San Francisco 49ers, even through more than a few disappointing seasons. He enjoyed building LEGO sets, woodworking, and gardening. His love of Christmas was evident every year, as he took great pride in having the brightest house in the neighborhood. He will be remembered for his quick wit, love of hard rock music, signature camo pants, frequent naps, and always having a dad joke ready to share.

Joe is survived by his best friend and loving wife of 45 years, Carol Tutmaher; his two beautiful daughters, Jaimie McKissick and her husband, Chris, of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Julianna Ely of New Orleans, LA; his handsome and happy grandson, Beau Elyjah McKissick; his brother, Jerry Ely and wife, Denise, of Warren, PA; his sister, Jill Lasecki and husband, Jeff, of Warren, PA; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Rachel Lasecki, Curtis Lasecki, and Colin Ely.

He was preceded in death by his loving parents, Joseph and Janet Ely.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Peterson-Blick Funeral Home, Inc. 1003 Pennsylvania Ave E. Warren, PA 16365. A private celebration of Joe's life will be held with family.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Family House - 5308 Liberty Ave, Pittsburgh Pa 15244; Penn State THON - 227D HUB, University Park, PA 16802; and ALS Foundation - 1275 K St. NW Suite 250, Washington D.C. 20005 in memory of "Edward Barney'.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of West Penn Hospital and Family House in Pittsburgh for their compassionate care, kindness, and support throughout Joe's illness.

Joe will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.

Online condolences may be made to www.petersonblickfuneralhome.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.