Gerald Bly Jr.

VAN WERT -- Gerald Robert Bly Jr. 73, of Van Wert, went to the Heavenly happy hunting grounds, early Sunday morning June 22nd, 2025, at Ohio Health Van Wert.

He was born in Shawnee, Ohio on November 20, 1951, to Gerald R. Bly Sr. and Doris (Lee,) who both proceeded him in death.

Growing up he learned how to hunt, fish, and grow vegetables and live off the land from his Dad, Grandparents, and his Uncles. Feeding and raising chickens and rabbits on the family compound at 906 Berryman Blvd. It was there that many memories were made.

Bob's first job was for the Lima News as a paper boy. Delivering the daily news on his bike to the folks around the neighborhood he lived in.

Bob graduated from Shawnee High School in 1969. Lettering in both football and baseball. After graduating he began work at Woodlawn Cemetery in Lima, for a period of time.

That same year in 1969, he was offered a job at C&G Distributing in the warehouse working alongside his Mother Doris, who was the company's secretary. It was here that some of his favorite and most cherished memories were made. He could be seen flying around on his forklift pulling orders and loading the company trucks. Bob was treated and always viewed the Cecala and Guagenti as family. Former owners of C&G, Sam & Francis Guagenti, as well as Fino Cecala, all viewed him as one of their own.

Over the decades as an employee of C&G Bob would take countless hunting and fishing trips alongside the owners and drivers of C&G. When the Budman advertisement was first introduced, the owners approached Bob about being their Budman. It was a true pleasure for him being the Budman of Lima in all the parades, events, and special appearances at local bars. Bob retired in 1992.

From 1992 to 2012 Bob worked for Crown Equipment in New Bremen, Ohio. He spoke very highly of the Dicke family and enjoyed his time there.

For a brief period of time he went back to C&G to prove he still had it. He retired for good in 2014.

Bob married Susan (Kelly) who survives, on October 20, 1984. Divorced in 2011.

He married Vickie (Watson) who survives, on August 10, 2016. It was a truly blessed union and one that helped lead him on the path to sobriety.

He was a former member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles for many years. A lifelong member of the Teamsters brotherhood. Cherished patron of Paddy Macs in Lima. And had many other affiliations and memberships.

Bob enjoyed taking the backroads listening to music. Friday night parties in Elida and dancing the night away. Living life in the fast lane. Reminiscing about the good old days with his beloved family members and friends. Collecting cards, knives, eagles, and Native American artifacts. An avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt and fish. Watching westerns, James Bond movies, THE Buckeyes, and complaining about the Browns and the Cincinnati Reds.

He valued love and loyalty. His motto was: Family is forever. He enjoyed an ice cold beer or Pepsi after a long day. He often said, "A hard day's work is never done. But since it's done right now, I'll take my steak medium rare!"

Bob is survived by his wife, Vickie Bly of Van Wert; his son, Josh (Michelle) Bly of Marysville, Ohio; step-children, Kelly (Jeremy) Santaguida of Powell, Ohio and Jim (Karen) Eutsler of Cincinnati; grandchildren, Zach, Chloe, Nicole and Christopher; siblings, Deb Core, Becky (Roger) Brown, Tim (Douglas Hartinger) Bly, Bill (Kelly Brown) Bly, Randy (Brett Zink) Bly, Tom (Linda) Bly, Michael (John Tombs) Bly and Lisa (Ted Ratcliff) Bly; and a brother in law, David Joseph.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Cathy Joseph and Joseph Bly.

His wife and son would like to thank all his Doctors, nurses, and caregivers at Parkview Hospital in Ft Wayne, Van Wert Hospital, St Rita's, and Vancrest Nursing Home.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, from 2:00-5:00pm at Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, Van Wert.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.alspachgearhart.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, 722 S. Washington St, Van Wert, Ohio.