Cambridge-Eli Perry Washburn, 79, of Cambridge, passed away peacefully on Saturday morning, October 1, 2016 in the comfort of his home with his family by his side.

Born October 11, 1936 in Indian Lake, NY, he was the son of the late Perry and Dora (Brown) Washburn.

Eli graduated in 1954 from Indian Lake High School.  He entered the U.S. Navy serving on the USS Enterprise during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Eli was deeply spiritual and a hard worker who provided for his family.  He was a Quality Control Inspector at Johnson Controls in Bennington for 26 years retiring in 1991.

Eli truly loved the outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping.  Most importantly, his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren were his life.

In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by a daughter in law, Joanne Washburn; 2 grandchildren, Sara & Alan Washburn; his siblings, Eugene, Zoe, Harrison, Frances, Bill & Alta.

Eli is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ellen Dawley Washburn; his children, Jeff (Karen) Washburn of Suffolk, VA and Tim (Sarah) Washburn of Las Cruces, NM.  He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, Stephanne, Jessica Lynn, Amanda, Cathina, Jessica Leigh, Nathan, Carrie Mae, Andrew, Michael & Parker; 13 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends may call from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home, 73 West Main Street, Cambridge.  A service will begin at the conclusion of the calling hours at 12:00 pm with Pastor Jim Bartholomew officiating.

Interment with military honors will follow at Woodlands Cemetery in Cambridge.

Those who wish to remember Eli in a special way can make memorial contributions in his memory to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 455 Patroon Creek Blvd, Suite 108 Albany, NY 12206.