Michael D. Ely, 68, of Schnecksville, died on Oct. 30, 2020, in his home.

He and his wife, Darlene L. (Hayes) Ely, were married 41 years on Sept. 22.

Born Nov. 28, 1951, in Queens, N.Y., he was the son of the late Albert B. and Anna M. (McCauley) Ely.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in history and a Master’s degree in education from the University of Scranton, where he was a four-year member and starter for the men’s varsity basketball team.

He was employed by Messer Americas, formerly Linde Gas, Stewartsville, N.J. for more than 30 years before retiring.

He formerly coached with the Schnecksville Playground Association and Lehigh Valley Select Soccer Teams.

He participated in many charitable bike rides, most notably he was a three-time participant in the 500-mile Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer.

Anyone who knew him, knew how kind hearted, loving and giving he was.

His immeasurable love for his family and friends will be greatly missed.

He was a member of St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, Orefield.

In addition to his loving wife, he is survived by daughters Katie A. Ely of Athens, Ga., Lauren C. Eisemann (Dan) of Boston, Mass.; sisters Patricia A. Welch (Alan) of Georgia, Eileen Chorman (Thomas) of Naples, Fla., Maureen A. Porter (Simon) of Richmond, Va.; brother-in-law David L. Hayes (Debbie) of Seattle, Wash.; and numerous beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11 a.m. Nov. 5 at St. Joseph the Worker Roman Catholic Church, 1879 Applewood Drive, Orefield.

The Rev. Msgr. Robert J. Wargo will be celebrant.

Family and friends may pay their respects 9:30-10:50 a.m. Thursday in the church.

Interment will follow the Mass at Resurrection Cemetery, Wescosville.

Expressions of sympathy may be made at heintzelmancares.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the University of Scranton Men’s Basketball Program and/or to the Pennsylvania Perimeter Ride Against Cancer, both c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 196, Schnecksville, PA 18078-0196.

Arrangements were made by Heintzelman Funeral Home Inc., Schnecksville.