Robert E. Bly, 70,

of 7961 State Route 36, Arkport

  passed away Saturday evening (Feb. 11, 2012) at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

  Born in Hornell on Nov. 11, 1941, he was a son of the late Robert and Eleanor Prior Bly. On Feb. 19, 1966 he was married at St. Ann’s Church in Hornell to the former Carolyn Sue Ramsay, who survives.

  A former resident of Hornell, Bob has resided in Arkport since 1966 and he proudly served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1961 to his honorable discharge in 1965.

  For 33 years he was employed by the NYSDOT, retiring in 2003 as a Light Maintenance Foreman and was always well respected by his coworkers.

  Bob was a member of the Arkport Memorial American Legion Post No. 1248 and was also an avid fisherman and hunter.

  His family includes his wife of 46 years, Carolyn Sue; his two children, Robert E. Jr. (Corrie) Bly of Fontana, Calif. and Ellen Michelle (William) Batzel of Livonia; his six grandchildren, Alyssa, Brittany, Zachery, Jessica, Ondrea and Rebecaa; his three great-grandchildren; his brother, John (Norma) Bly of Bath; his two aunts, Virginia Nicholson of Williamson and May Prior of Buffalo; also his nieces, nephews and cousins.

  Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his son, SFC William D. Bly on April 13, 2007 and his grandson, Alexander in Oct. of 1991.

  Calling hours are from 7-9 p.m. Thursday (the Arkport American Legion will conduct a memorial service at 8:30 p.m. Thursday) and 2-4 p.m. Friday at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc., 285 Main St., Hornell where a funeral and committal service, with military honors, will be held following calling hours at 4 p.m. Friday, with the Rev. Mark Blankenship officiating. Interment will be in the Arkport Heritage Hill Cemetery.

  The United States flag and the Navy flag will proudly fly at the Bishop & Johnson Funeral Home, Inc. in recognition of Bob’s service with the U. S. Navy.

  In lieu of flowers, those wishing may contribute in his memory to the Hornell Area Humane Society, 7649 Industrial Park Road, Hornell, N.Y. 14843. Envelopes for memorial contributions will be available at the funeral home.

 Online condolences or remembrances of Bob are welcomed at www.bishopandjohnsonfuneralhome.com.