Hans Christian Ebel, Sr.

Hans Christian Ebel, Sr., age 90 years, of Raritan Township, NJ, died on Friday, June 25, 2004 at his residence.

Born in Bremen, Germany, December 29, 1913 to the late Johannes Frederick and Friederieka Hellmers Ebel, he had resided in Raritan Township since 1979, previously living in Scotch Plains, NJ.

Mr. Ebel came to America from Germany in 1935. While as a youth in Germany, he was a member of the Pathfinders (equivalent to the Boy Scouts of America) which he felt set his values and positive attitude for life.

In 1952, Hans started his thirty year career as a Scout Leader. He was the founder of Troops 209, 275 and 111 in Scotch Plains, NJ and Troop 300 in Westfield.

Noted for his emphasis on brotherhood and universal friendship, Hans was the first scoutmaster to initiate an international scouting exchange program. Through tireless fundraising efforts, Hans and the Boy Scouts raised money enabling them to travel and visit other scouts in Europe, the Caribbean and South-West America.

Mr. Ebel won many awards for his passion and dedication to the Boy Scouts of America.

In addition to scouting, Hans was a lifelong international folk dancer, both performing folk dances as well as teaching them. He was a comminicant of St. Magdalen Church, Flemington, NJ.

He worked for over 30 years at Ford Motor Comapny, Edison, NJ, retiring in 1978.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Frances Taormina Ebel; a son, H. Chris Ebel, Jr. of Raritan Township, NJ; a daughter, Frederika Ebel of Raritan Township, NJ; six grandchildren and one great-granddaughter. Another grandson, Michael Ebel, died in 1989.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10 AM in St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ. Interment will be in St. Magdalen Cemetery. Calling hours will be held on Tuesday from 2-4 and 7-9 PM at the Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ.

Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Boys Scouts of America-Patriots Path Council 358, 222 Columbia Turnpike,Florham Park, NJ 07932.