Dwight (David)Bridges

Posted on February 28, 2025

Dwight (David) Bridges,72, died peacefully on Feb. 22, 2025 at Good Samaritan Center in Dowling Park, Fla.

David was born July 13, 1952 in Indianapolis, Ind. He came to live with foster parents J. Stanley and Peggy VanBlaricum when he was 2 years old, where he stayed and became a member of the family. Brother Joe was born two years later.

After graduating high school, David worked in the Noble Greenhouse nursery program for several years. 

Later, he worked at various jobs around Indianapolis. He moved to Perry in 2008 to live with his brother Joseph (Joe) and sister-in-law Dorothy (Dottie) VanBlaricum. 

He converted to Catholicism in 2009, and attended Mass at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. In Feb. 2022, he became a resident at Good Samaritan Center, and lived out his final years there.

David was a collector of a variety of things. He was fascinated by the lives of U.S. Presidents, making presidential memorabilia his favorite, and acquiring an impressive collection during his lifetime.

David loved his family, and was always smiling. He was an avid walker, and could be seen walking all over Perry. At his peak, he walked over 20 miles a week. He also loved to eat, and his appetite was legendary within the family.

David was preceded in death by his parents, J. Stanley and Peggy VanBlaricum, and his sister-in-law, Dottie VanBlaricum.

He is survived by his brother Joe VanBlaricum, niece Sarah (Anthony) Chacon, great-niece Ameena Chacon, niece Laura (John) Eddy, and great-nieces Emma and Elizabeth Eddy; as well as a host of cousins.

A memorial service will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Perry on Monday, March 3, at 2 p.m.

His final resting place will be beside his parents in Indianapolis, Ind.