Obituary of Ralph W. Bly

Ralph W. Bly, Sr. “loving husband, father, grandfather” Allegany, NY-- Ralph W. Bly, Sr. of 3242 W. State Rd. died Thursday (March 2, 2006) in the Olean General Hospital. Born November 8, 1929 in Knapp Creek, NY he was the son of Ralph and Emma Bly. He was married to the former Delores M. Nicolas who survives. Mr. Bly graduated from school in Shinglehouse and later served in the US Army where he was stationed in Germany during the Korean War. He then worked for Bell Aircraft in Niagara Falls prior to locating to this area. He was employed by Acme Electric Co. at their Allegany, Hinsdale and Cuba facilities until his retirement in 1978. He was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church where he served as superintendent of Sunday School. He enjoyed bowling, playing euchre and watching football. He was devoted to his family and found great joy in following his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities. Surviving besides his wife are 1 daughter Deborah (Bruce) Austin of Tulsa, OK; 1 son Ralph (Susan) Bly, Jr. of Olean; 6 grandchildren Lindsey, Colin, Jackie, David, Kelly and Ashley; 1 great granddaughter Destiny; 1 brother Robert (Betty) Bly of Hinsdale; 3 sisters Evelyn Tomes of Olean, Shirley (Al) Hellwig of Olean and Doris Amidon of Florida and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by 1 brother Warren “Bud” Bly and 2 sisters Dorothy “Dot” Bly and Mickey Caya. Friends will be received at the Casey, Halwig & Hartle Funeral Home 3128 W. State Rd. Olean on Monday from 4-7pm. Funeral services will be held Tuesday (March 7, 2006) at 11:00am in the funeral home. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heritage Aflame Ministries 71 Boss Street Bolivar, NY 14715 or to the Immanuel Lutheran Church 4th and Laurens St. Olean, NY 14760.