Ely Simonoff Obituary (1928 - 2018)

Ely Simonoff, age 90, passed away at his home in Skowhegan, Maine, on Friday, October 26, 2018. He was born August 18, 1928 in Somerset, New Jersey, son of Simon and Jeanne Simonoff. Ely served in Korea and became an executive in the textiles industry, working as a plant manager and then Senior Vice President of Sewing Operations for Opelika Manufacturing Corporation, a Fortune 500 company. Later as an entrepreneur, Ely founded several firms producing decorative quilting products and received at least three patents for his inventions. He married Lorriane Adcock circa 1954, fathering two children before divorcing. Ely married Mary Wiedl in 1977, mother of his other two children. During his long life, he lived in northern New Jersey, Los Angeles, Chicago, Greenville, South Carolina, and Skowhegan, Maine. Ely was active in community organizations including the Optimist Club, the Knights of Columbus at his Church, where he also served as a lector. He was an avid water skier, snow skier and runner. He loved classical music, a good glass of wine, and was an avid life long learner. He is survived by Mary, his beloved wife of 40 years, his sister, Lee Olsen, four children, Stacey Simonoff, Robert Simonoff and wife Laurie, Jennifer Simonoff Morin and husband Brian, Jonathan Simonoff and wife Jenna, five grand children, Cyn, Ruby, Sean, Aly, Graycen, and three great grand children, Aria, Porter and Lila. Arrangements are under the care of Smart & Edwards Funeral Home, 183 Madison Ave., Skowhegan, Maine.