In a quiet yet powerful dedication to hard work, service, and legacy, four generations of the Comley family have left an indelible mark on the elevator industry in New England. From humble beginnings at the Bedford Veterans Hospital to shaping statewide elevator regulations, the Comleys have become synonymous with dedication to vertical transportation safety and innovation.
Succeeding generations of the Comley family carry on the legacy of their predecessors while adapting to new industry trends and embracing modern technology. This is a remarkable family legacy that demonstrates that values and hard work remain the primary tenets of entrepreneurship.
Heritage
It all began with John Ridgway Comley Jr., a lifelong resident of Bedford, Massachusetts, who served at the Bedford Veterans Hospital from 1927 to 1968. As Chief of Utilities, he oversaw the operation and maintenance of critical systems, including elevators and other essential infrastructure. His passion and dedication to hard work paved the way for a family tradition that would span nearly a century.
John’s son, James F. Comley, born in 1930, carried the torch forward with remarkable impact. After serving in the US Navy aboard the USS Hawkins, James joined Payne Elevator in 1955. A dedicated entrepreneur, he went on to found City Elevator and later acquired Embree Elevator, a business that remains under the Comley family’s stewardship to this day.
James became a nationally recognized advocate for elevator safety, serving over two decades on the Massachusetts Board of Elevator Regulations and being elected Chair in 2006. In 2011, he received the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. A preservationist at his core, James and his late wife, Virginia Comley, restored the historic Elijah Stearns Mansion in Bedford, where he still resides today.
Continuing the Family Legacy
James’ son, Stephen K. Comley, continued the family’s legacy of passion and hard work. A graduate of Bedford High School and Northern Essex Community College, Stephen began at Embree Elevator before becoming the Local Resident Mechanic at the Portsmouth Navy Yard.
In 2025, after retiring from the International Union of Elevator Constructors (IUEC), he was appointed a State Elevator Inspector for Massachusetts. Alongside his father, Stephen co-founded the Elevator Museum, which recently secured a permanent home at NEIEP in Warwick, Rhode Island.
At a recent IUEC ceremony, Stephen was awarded a Certificate of Honor for his decades of service—a proud moment attended by his father and son.
The Fourth Generation
Jake Comley represents the fourth generation. In 2025, he was sworn into IUEC Boston Local #4, officially beginning his apprenticeship and continuing the Comley legacy of craftsmanship, integrity, and innovation in the elevator industry.
From John’s early utility work to Jake’s promising future, the Comley family’s story is one of service, tradition, and forward momentum, fitting for a family devoted to moving people safely and efficiently, one elevator at a time.
The Comley family legacy continues to shape and safeguard the elevator industry in New England through public service, entrepreneurship, and a deep-rooted commitment to safety and innovation. Through constant innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit, three of the four generations continue to adapt to modern nuances while honoring the values of the previous generation with unrivaled service and a dedication to excellence.
