Joseph Hugh Bland

Born April 3, 1949, Hugh was a celebrated athlete while attending St. Joseph’s Grade School and St. Joe Prep High School in Bardstown before furthering his education by way of football scholarships at the University of Kentucky and Jacksonville State University. He later pursued his postgraduate education at Vanderbilt University.

First and foremost, after his athletic years in Grade School, High School and College, Hugh became an educator of young men and women. He led several private elementary schools, enjoying a career in education as Headmaster or Lower School Coordinator. He spent his years as an educator at Harding Academy (Nashville, TN), St. Michael’s School (Stuart, FL), Trinity School (Atlanta, GA), Highlands School (Birmingham, AL), Hilton Head Prep (Hilton Head Island, SC), Charlotte Latin School (Charlotte, NC) and he ended his career in education at St. Mary’s School (Aliso Viejo, CA). Hugh enjoyed reading, watching sports, the warm weather in Florida and visiting with family. He spent his retirement travelling the world and spending time with loved ones, but he always looked forward to returning to Bardstown.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold Bernard, and Jean Thompson Bland, as well as his brother Harold “Harry” Bland and his sister Sarah “Sally” Bland.

He is survived by four siblings, Paul (Rose Mary) Bland, Maurice (Noi) Bland, Mary Jean Riley and Nancy Mattingly, as well as by his three children, Amy (Stephen) McArdle, Matthew (Carolyn) Bland and Elizabeth (Dan) Scheiderich. Hugh also leaves behind 6 grandchildren, Zoe, Logan and Sebastian Bland, as well as Riley, Truman and Nola McArdle, in addition to many nieces and nephews.

Hugh’s remains will be buried at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Bardstown, KY, with a private family service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be donated to United Cerebral Palsy, 8401 Old Courthouse Road, Vienna, VA 22182.