Richard Eley, Jr.

Richard Eley, Jr. was born on August 30, 1928, to the late Richard Eley, Sr. and Henrietta Winston. He was one of 13 children born through this union and was raised and educated in the City of Philadelphia. He dedicated himself to serving his country as a young man and served in the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard. He also worked as a welder for the Philadelphia Paper Company and became a lifetime member of the United Paperworkers International Union before retiring in 1991.


Affectionately known as, "Pop Pop", he was the most God-fearing, loving man you ever wanted to meet! A faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church of Trenton, he was a regular and avid churchgoer. He was such a respectable, knowledgeable, and intelligent man who loved to read his bible, and had a singing voice like Nat King Cole.

He leaves to cherish his memories, a son, Kenneth (Donna) Eley of Media, PA, three daughters, Pamela Bittle and her children of Darby, PA, Lynne (Walter) Jones of Williamstown, NJ,and his babygirl Donna "Don Don" Harris of Hampton, NJ; four sisters,.Margaret, Delores, Louise, and Alverta of Philadelphia, PA; his grandchildren, Kenny and David Eley of Media, PA, Edwin Harris (Ann) of Greensboro, NC, Tyron Harris (his caregiver for the last 7 years) of Hampton, NJ, Jonathan Harris of Schnectady, NY, Shane Kidd of Williamstown, NJ, Crystal Brockton (final caregiver) of Hamilton, NJ, Janel (Travis) Brockton of Levittown, PA, Kenya (Shamel) Hughes, TerryJr. Lamont and Steven Harris of Kentucky, and Charity James of Trenton, NJ; 19 great grandchildren, one
great-great granddaughter, Armanni; threc daughters-in-law, Est De Von Jordan Jacqueline Harris, and Janice Harris; and an enormous host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

If you knew him, you know that he loved to "grease"as he called it. Pop Pop was an excellent cook, and his family never left his home hungry. His favorites were dressing, scrapple and any kind of soup or stew you can think of He juiced often and made the tastiest drinks,. so if you saw the tan pitcher in the refrigerator, you knew it was going to be something good!


He was always our very own Mr. Fix lt, and if something was broken, you could count on him to get it working in no time. From painting his entire home, to repairing his late wife Clara's rocking chair, he maintained his apartment so well that the leasing and grounds personnel often praised him for his work. "Nana" Clara's chair is still rocking in their living room to this day!


Pop Pop was extremely caring, and always wanted the best for his Babies, Sweethearts,
Boopy's and Boop Boops. He never went out without a hat on his head and would fuss at
everyone if he caught us without one on in the winter!


This past November he got to meet his great-great granddaughter, Armanni for the first time, and got her to say "POP POP" and boy, did his eyes light up with love. Having the opportunity to see the youngest person in our family meet the eldest, was such a beautiful moment in time that we'll never forget


To know him was to love him, and he absolytely loved everyone back! His children and grandchildren brought him so much joy, and if you were family, you couldn't help but feel his love as soon as you came through the door! God has truly blessed us to have experienced such an amazing man who taught us the true definition of love, respect and family. He was a precious gem, who we will all miss dearly, and very deeply.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded into the rest of God by the love of his life, Clare Eley; four sons, Richard II, Steven, Sgt. Earl Harris, and Master Sgt. Terry Harris, Sr.; a daughter, Dale E. Harris; two brothers, Norman and Winston Eley; and six sisters, Berniec, Sarah, Nancy, Lafone Henricttal and Mariah.

Funeral service will be 11am Saturday, December 28, 2024 at Calvary Christian Fellowship Ministries, 611 Parkway Ave., Ewing, NJ 08618. Calling hours will be 9am until the time of service. Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery, Hamilton, NJ.

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