Richard Bliley

Richard Dawson Bliley, age 75, of Millcreek passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at his home with family at his side after an extended illness. He was born in Erie on July 6, 1941, the son of the late Isabelle Bliley Kaiser and F. Dawson Bliley and stepson of the late Lawrence F. Kaiser.

Dick attended DeVeaux School in Niagara Falls, NY from 1956-60 where he was on both the track and soccer teams. His senior year he was captain of the soccer team as well as a Prefect. He graduated in 1960 and has always felt that the school was a great positive influence on his life. He went on to Baldwin-Wallace College from 1960-64, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Science degree.

Dick started working at Bliley Electric Co. at age 16 and worked various jobs in the shop during the summer. After graduation from Baldwin-Wallace, he began working full time starting as a time study technician moving on to cost accounting and assistant to the President. In 1977 he was named President and CEO, a position he held until his retirement in 1998. Dick always derived a great deal of pleasure from his employees. He felt they were like family and were greatly responsible for the company’s success.

While a freshman at Baldwin-Wallace, Dick met Judy who became his best friend, his soul mate, and the love of his life. They were married in 1964 and had two children, Laura and Rick, whom he loved dearly. Dick was a wonderful father, who was always proud and supportive of his children. Dick’s great pleasure later in life were his four grandsons. He so enjoyed their accomplishments and watching them grow into the fine young men they are today.

Dick celebrated the gift of life every day and had great faith in God. He was a lifetime Episcopalian and was a member of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church.

Dick always took great pride in his home and yard. He spent much of his free time outdoors grooming his lawn and landscaping to perfection. He also loved vacations and camping with his family. Road trips were his favorite, especially piling the family in the car and driving to Colorado, where they would visit family and hike in the mountains. After retirement, he and his wife enjoyed trips to many of our National Parks as well as numerous trips to Great Britain.

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Judith Sturbaum Bliley; a daughter, Laura Lind and her husband Michael of Silver Lake, OH; a son, Richard D. Bliley II and his wife Barbara of Erie; four grandsons, Tyler and Justin Lind and Nicholas and Dawson Bliley; a sister, Jean Everberg (Carl) of Longmont, CO; three brothers, David Bliley (Mary Ann) of Erie, Charles Bliley (Marilyn) of Webster, NY and John Bliley (Carolyn) of Boulder, CO; and a step brother, Gary Kaiser of Big Bear Lake, CA. He is also survived by many cherished friends, nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may call at the Burton Westlake Funeral Home 3801 W. 26th Street (at Powell Ave) on Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. and are invited to attend a prayer service there on Friday at 10:00 a.m. followed by a church service at 11 a.m at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1070 Dutch Rd, Fairview, PA with the Reverend Al Johnson and the Reverend Kathleen Ziegenhine officiating. Burial to follow in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the countless medical professionals and friends who have offered their services, prayers, and support. We, also, want to thank the wonderful staff from Regional Home Health and Hospice.

Memorials may be made to Emmaus Ministries 345 E. 9th Street, Erie, PA 16503 or to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 1070 Dutch Road, Fairview, PA 16415.

Send condolences at www.Burtonfuneralhome.com