Bob graduated from Northwest Area High School and studied music in Nashville, Tenn. He taught guitar for many years at stores throughout the Wyoming Valley. Bob played in a variety of bands, including Eddie Day & TNT, Wildfire, Abilene, Ray Suda Band, Tumblin Dice, Iron Cowboy and Nobody's Fool. He also attended Calvary Bible Church, Wilkes-Barre.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Donald Williams.

Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, the former Kathy Williams; mother-in-law, Barbara Williams; sisters-in-law, Sandy Lukatchik (Michael); and Lori Strayer (Jeff); sister, Susan Mailey; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Friday from Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home, Inc., corner of routes 29 and 118, Pikes Creek, with the Rev. Sam Garnett, Calvary Bible Church, Wilkes-Barre, officiating.

Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday before the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Samaritan's Purse Ministry, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607; or the Wounded Warrior's Project, PO Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675-8516. If a donation is not financially possible, encourage someone to play guitar.

Condolences can be made at clswansonfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Citizens Voice from Jun. 26 to Jun. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bartoli

Sponsored by Curtis L. Swanson Funeral Home Inc. - Hunlock Creek.

22 Entries

robin mailey

June 20, 2025

Growing up,Uncle Bob was probably the most important relative to me. When I was younger he and his parents really provided a sense of family when it was most needed. I always remember him this time of year because he took me to see Jaws when I was 10. I still tell the story that after the movie we went to "the pool" at night for a swim and I convinced myself there was a shark in the pool . No lights back then. Fantastic memory and I miss him still

Ron Morgans

August 5, 2023

I just heard about Barts passing. My deepest sympathy for his Wife and family. I am so saddened by the news of Bob´s passing. We were friends since we were teenagers. I will always remember Bob for his amazing Guitar playing and his joyful sense of humor. The Guitar community has lost a brilliant Artist.

Nick mailey

July 1, 2023

I will always remember uncle Bob and aunt Kathy taking us to the county fair, to the pool on the farm to hang out and going to listen to music. I´ll always remember those amazing moments growing up and miss him. My heart goes out to you Kathy.

George

June 30, 2023

I only knew Bob from first having met him @ a guitar show in Phila over 30 yrs ago. We made a big guitar trade at the beginning of the show and hit it off right away. He and his friend Sheffe were 2 guys I looked forward to seeing every year at the guitar shows, super nice guys that came down from Wilkes Barre. Very sorry to hear of his passing. rip Bob...

Paul VanFossen

June 29, 2023

Bob was a great friend and taught our son guitar. We have known Bob for many years and he once told us that our son was the son he never had. Rest in peace buddy. Paul VanFossen

Robin,Patty, and Hannah

Sent Flowers

Kevin Callahan

June 28, 2023

I will always remember talking to Bob between his lessons at the music store and slowly growing to be close friends. He was always happy to share in music with everyone, and was fun to be around. I will be forever grateful for all the music and guitar skills he showed me.

Kevin Callahan

Tempal Marie Mailey

June 28, 2023

Dear Kathy,
My husband (Susan´s son Jason) and I are sorry to hear of Uncle Bobby´s passing. Jason has many fond memories of his uncle.

Bill&Karen Kelly Trinity Florida

June 28, 2023

We are so sorry to hear about Bob we were neighbors for many years. He truly was the master of the Telecaster.

Chuck Artim

June 27, 2023

Always mesmerized by bobs musical talent.I had the opportunity to perform with Bob.Bob was not only a great talent,but a great and funny person.There is no doubt he is jamming in heaven.God bless you my friend.Untill we meet again. Çhuck Artim

Art Thomas

June 27, 2023

Dear Kathy Iam so sorry for the loss of your loving husband,Bob and I went on many road trips together as you know about ,laughing and solving all the Worlds problems He was the best friend that a person could ever have the pleasure of being his company. He was not only a friend but also like a BROTHER TO ME. MANY NIGHTS WE TALKED ON THE PHONE HOURS.HE TRIED TO TEACH AN OLD MAN THE PLEASER OF PLAYING THE GUITAR, AND HE WAS VERY PATIENT IN MORE WAYS THAN ONE. HE WILL SO SADLY MISSED BY ME. GOD BLESS ART

Ray Suda

June 27, 2023

Bob was a good friend and fantastic musician.Bob was in my Band since, 1988 taking a break for about a year when his Dad got sick and then coming back until the end of the band at the end of 2011. He was like family and a brother. So many great and memories. Bob always had the knack for getting the Band fed at private parties. There are so many funny stories running through my mind. Gonna miss him!!!

Bobby & Jackie Jacek

June 27, 2023

Dear Kathy & Family, We are shocked & saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He was a talented musician & all around good guy, So many fond memories of the good times we shared; including watching him play guitar with Wildfire at Tomaino's in Archbald, your wedding, your pool parties, costume parties & get togethers at Sandy & Mike's will never be forgotten. It was always a pleasure to in the company of you two. Prayers for all. RIP & Fly High Buddy!

Thom Greco

June 27, 2023

A legend in our music scene. Condolences to family!

Bill Sod

June 27, 2023

So sad . Bob was a great friend . The best guitarist around. Kathy I'm so sorry. I will miss you Bob. Prayers

John Tobias

June 27, 2023

Thoughts and prayers go out to Bob's family. He was one of the the finest musicians I've ever had the pleasure of seeing perform. Also one of the nicest people I've ever met.

Linda and Steve Corcoran

June 27, 2023

So sorry to hear about Bob's passing. He was a great friend to my husband Steve. This is very sad news for all involved. Prayers to all.

Linda Helfrick

June 27, 2023

Dear Kathy,
I worked with you at 1st Eastern Opetations Center. Thats how I knew Bob. He was a talented musician. I remember going to see him when he played in various bands thru the years. Sorry for your loss.

John Henry

June 26, 2023

So sorry for your loss.
Bob was a friend and a great guitarist. He will be missed.

Bob, Marbee, Chris Sulitka & Family

June 26, 2023

Dear Kathy & Family, We are truly saddened to hear of your loss. Please know that you are in our thoughts & prayers at this most difficult of times. Bob, Marbee, Chris & Family

Nora Gill

June 26, 2023

I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time.

Rick and Michelle Ide

June 26, 2023

So sorry for your loss Kathy he was a great friend and a great guitar player he will be sadly missed. Rick and Michelle Ide

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