Dwight Richard Bleyle

1945 - 2025

Bleyle, Dwight Richard

September 5, 1945 - April 26, 2025

Age 79, passed away April 26, 2025. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Mary Francis (Swayze) Bleyle; three children, Kristen Louise (Bleyle) McLaughlin (Kevin), Kevin Richard Bleyle (Jasen), and Erika Bleyle McDonald (Cameron); and seven grandchildren, Austin, Alana, Aubrey and Aiden McLaughlin, and Owen, Arlo and Gage McDonald. Rich, as he was known to his friends and loved ones, was born on September 5, 1945 in Kenmore, New York next to his lifelong best friend (James "Jim" Kick). He was the youngest of Dwight and Helen Bleyle's four children. He graduated from Kenmore West High School, where he was an avid sportsman, excelling in football and wrestling. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army - stationed in Germany from 1964 to 1966. This marked a significant chapter in his life, most notably for the opportunity to learn some of the German language, including songs that he would later use to distract his children and niece Sherry (Bleyle) Weaver from the cold while riding up the Kissing Bridge chairlifts and teaching them the art of downhill skiing.

Rich attended SUNY Buffalo after his military service, earning undergraduate degrees in mathematics, science, and economics, and a master's degree in mathematics. His love for education led him to dedicate his career to teaching in the Kenmore schools from 1971 until his retirement in 2000, during which time he earned an additional qualification to teach computer science. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Rich's commitment to his family, friends and the wider community was inspiring. He was an active member of the Buffalo Bicycle Club (participating in various races), a member of the SUNY Buffalo ski club (even tacking on his and Mary's honeymoon to one of the club's European ski trips), an assistant coach for his children's many sports teams and an ever-keen supporter of all his children's academic and extracurricular activities. During springtime for over 20 years, Rich could be found at St Simons Island cycling, eating pistachios on the beach and playing cards and dominoes with his friends and family. After retiring, he and his wife Mary purchased a townhouse in Park City, Utah, where they enjoyed skiing, spending time with Rich's extended family living in the area and volunteering in various activities, including the Tour of Utah, the Sundance Film Festival and tutoring students. The couple also enjoyed traveling the world together. Rich, ever the adventurer, got SCUBA certified in his 50s and tested "ski-biking" in the mountains of Utah in his 60s! Rich and Mary cherished every opportunity to visit their children and grandchildren living around the country and abroad, spending quality time with their family and creating lasting memories. Each trip was an adventure, filled with laughter, joy, and the warm embrace of family reunions. Rich lived boldly and with a spirit of adventure - this legacy lives on in the hearts, minds and actions of his family and all who knew him.