Dermot D. Bly's Obituary
Dermot Donald Bly, 30, of Clinton, Iowa, passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026.
Dermot was born July 28, 1995, in Clinton, Iowa, to Patrick and Debra Bly. He entered this world as a fighter, requiring five minutes of CPR immediately after delivery, and that same fighting spirit remained with him throughout his life. There was no obstacle he wouldn’t face head-on.
He was the fourth of five children and grew up surrounded by family. Dermot graduated from Prince of Peace College Preparatory in Clinton, where he participated in cross country and soccer - occasionally even in his cowboy boots. As a Boy Scout, he came just shy of earning his Eagle Scout badge, though those who knew him best would say he embodied everything it represents.
After high school, Dermot attended Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, where he formed strong, lifelong friendships. He was a hard worker who took pride in what he did and had a gift for connecting with others and he truly never met a stranger.
Dermot had a deep love for his family, music, writing, the outdoors, and his four-legged companions. He was rarely seen without his cowboy boots, which became a signature part of who he was from a young age - whether riding his bike along on the Bly family paper route or out on the soccer field.
He dreamed of living a nomadic lifestyle, a dream he realized for a time in 2021 when he worked for a traveling carnival, journeying with little more than his electric bike, tent, kayak, and his pull-behind wagon. By all accounts, he was living his dream. He later returned home with plans to save money and prepare for his next adventure.
Over the past year, Dermot faced several medical challenges, once again calling upon his resilience and determination. Though setbacks slowed him, he continued to improve and remained focused on returning to the life he loved.
Dermot had a natural gift with words and aspired to be a writer, even penning several works and sharing heartfelt poetry with family and friends. His wit, one-liners, and infectious laugh brought life to every gathering, and his presence could brighten any room.
He loved his family fiercely, especially his nieces and nephews. He was incredibly proud to be their uncle.
Dermot is survived by his parents, Patrick and Debra Bly; his siblings: Molly (Kevin) Roady, Maggie (Shamus) Kenney, Riley (Maggie Goebel-Bly) Bly, and Devin Bly; and his beloved nieces and nephews: Logan and McKenna Bly; Kadyn and Braxton Roady; Anna, Nora, and Callahan Kenney; Liv and Liam Goebel; and Elianna and Bodhi Bly.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Donald and Eileen Bly; maternal grandparents, Jack and Teresa Nelson; his uncle, Frank Bly; and several beloved pets, including Bailey-girl and Rigby.
A visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. Visitors are encouraged to wear cowboy boots in honor of Dermot. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the church. Burial will be in the Clinton Lawn Cemetery, followed by a luncheon at the church. The Snell-Zornig Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will support a parks and nature project of the family’s choosing. Make checks payable to “Parks and Recreation - Bly Memorial”.
Dermot’s passing leaves a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him. While his family is deeply saddened by this tremendous loss, they find comfort in knowing he is finally at peace.
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