Lee Irvin Bly

P. DEAN HOMER FUNERAL HOME 206 WATER STREET PO BOX 1 DUSHORE, PA 18614 TEL 570 928-8163 FAX 570 928-8116 Email pdh@epix.net February 14, 2006 OBITUARY Mr. Lee I. Bly of Horseheads, NY, passed away on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 with his loving family at his side. Lee was born July 5, 1924 in Jasper, NY, the son of the late Fred and Clara Morey Bly. He graduated from Thomas A. Edison High School, a member of the class of 1942. Lee served proudly in WWII, a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, serving in the China-Burma-India Theater as an airborne radio operator. He was very proud to attend the dedication of the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C., with his sons and grandson. After the war he married the love of his life, Helen I. Piasecki of Mildred, PA on June 21, 1947, a blessed union of 58 years. He was a devoted husband and a loving and supportive father to their four children. He shared their accomplishments with such great pride and was always there when they needed him. He was a loving grandfather and mentor to his 10 grandchildren who learned so much from him. His strong and positive spirit will continue to inspire all who knew Lee. He is survived by his loving wife Helen, his four devoted children; James (Mary Lou), Robert (Mary Anne), Mitzi (fiancé Phil Barrett), and Lorie Bly, who has been his devoted and selfless caregiver for the last several months. He leaves his cherished grandchildren: Michael, Joseph and James Bly, Kelly and Timothy Bly, Christopher, Alicia and Tawnie Smith, and step-grandchildren Joshua and Lucas Allen. Lee was predeceased by, his sisters: Mary, Nettie, Doris, and Ruth; and recently his faithful dog “Sammy”. Lee retired from Thatcher Glass after 39 years where he was a master mold maker. He volunteered countless hours at the National Warplane / Wings of Eagles Museum, restoring vintage aircraft, acting as a tour guide, and sharing his wealth of knowledge. He was also the crew chief on “his” Stearman and enjoyed a “Wing Walking” opportunity this past summer. He truly enjoyed the friendship of the many volunteers at the museum. He was a long time member of the Elmira Heights Volunteer Fire Department and the Elmira Heights American Legion Post and charter member of the Soaring Polka Association. The family would like to especially thank Aunt Joyce (Piasecki) for all her love, support, and strength. Thank you also to Lucy Starry and Kathy Murray for all their support, love, and many gifts of food. You kept us going. Also a special thank you to the staff of the VA Clinic in Sayre for their wonderful care. Lee’s last request: “The love and support of this great family should be remembered in everyone’s prayers.” Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 18th at 12:30 P.M. from the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA and followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 P.M. at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Mildred, PA with the Rev. Bert S. Kozen, pastor, presiding. Interment will be in St. Francis of Assisi Cemetery, Mildred, PA. Friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 12:30 at the Homer Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Lee’s memory to the National Warplane/Wings of Eagles Restoration Fund, 17 Aviation Drive, Horseheads, NY 14845; the Chemung County Humane Society, Route 352, Elmira, NY 14903; or St. Mary Our Mother’s Church Memorial Fund, 816 Broad Street, Horseheads, NY 14845 To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to homerfuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Lee Irvin Bly, please visit our flower store.