Pauley, Ellsworth R. “Elzy” – 81, of Portage, peacefully passed away at home on January 9, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 7, 1943, in Portage, he was the cherished son of the late Ellsworth and Ida (Odenthal) Pauley.
Elzy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carol L. (Coutts) Pauley, their infant son, Ellsworth, and his siblings Donna Engle, Shirley Hazlett, and Ida Kerch. His legacy lives on through his devoted children: Debbie, wife of Kevin Brydon of South Fork; Douglas Pauley and wife Loriann (Little) of Shellsburg; and Diana, wife of Morgan Elmore of Terre Haute, IN. He was deeply loved by his grandchildren: Richard “RJ” Brydon, Zack Brydon (Teasha), Troy Pauley, Alexis Bartholomew (Tim), Jeane Mock (Kaleb), Tyler Lysinger, and Kelsey Elston (Alicia). His great-grandchildren were the light of his life: Peyton Moss, Bowen, and Brooks Brydon; a baby girl Brydon due soon; Charity, Trinity, and Hudson Bartholomew and Jackson and Virginia Mock.
Elzy was a proud brother to Kay Pohopin of Portage, Joyce Borden of Manassas, VA, and Ron “Spike” Pauley (Linda) of Davidsville.
Elzy's work ethic was unmatched. He spent his early career as a coal miner at Island Creek Coal Company, a second generation PA Bituminous Deep Mine Safety Inspector and retired as a Deep Mine Safety Inspector Supervisor. He contributed to numerous rescue and recovery operations, including the extraordinary Quecreek Mine Rescue.
Elzy was a man of many passions. Whether hunting, fishing, or cheering for Penn State and the Pittsburgh Steelers, he lived life with enthusiasm. Some of his happiest memories were spent at “Camp Sunshine,” the cherished Pauley Family Camp in Bedford. He found joy in trips to the beach, the company of his grandchildren, and traveling with Carol to support their sporting events.
Family and friends will gather to honor Elzy's incredible life. Visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Matthew R. Decort Funeral Home Inc. in Portage. The celebration of his life will continue at 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. service on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at First Lutheran Church, 906 Caldwell Avenue, Portage, with Pastors Nancy Hoover and Tim Bartholomew officiating. Committal at South Fork Cemetery.
To honor Elzy's memory, the family kindly requests memorial contributions be made to the Portage T.A.P. (4 Sherry Lane, Portage, PA 15946) or Crichton McCormick Park (P.O. Box 293, Portage, PA 15946).
Elzy will forever be remembered as a dedicated family man, a hardworking individual, and a source of unwavering strength. Online condolences can be shared at www.decortfh.com
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Ellsworth R. Pauley, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Visitation
14
Jan
532 Main Street
Portage, PA 15946
Visitation
14
Jan
532 Main Street
Portage, PA 15946
Visitation
15
Jan
906 Caldwell Avenue
Portage, PA 15946
Service
15
Jan
906 Caldwell Avenue
Portage, PA 15946
Cemetery Details
Location
Croyle Township
South Fork, PA 15956
