Joseph A. Bly, age 77, of Mathews, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family and close friends on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2020 after fighting five long years of cancer.

Joseph was born in Troy, New York on Sept. 14, 1942. He was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church and was a graduate of Berlin Central High School. He served and retired from the U.S. Navy and also from Albany International Felt Company in Albany, New York.

Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, Ai and Bernice, and his sister, Susan. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathleen M. Bly; his three children, Jeff, Rick (Lisa), and Caroline (Steven); his two brothers, Edward and Robert; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He dearly loved living in Mathews County for the past eight years.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020 at Bethel United Methodist Church, Onemo.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joseph’s memory to the Riverside Peninsula Cancer Center, 7544 Medical Drive, Gloucester, Va. 23061. 

Faulkner Funeral Homes, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, is assisting the family.