Frederick Orie Bartholomew

Aug. 4, 1936 - Jan. 9, 2008Frederick Orie Bartholomew, 71, of Live Oak, Florida, formerly of Millville, New Jersey, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2008 after almost three years of fighting cancer. Fred was a graduate of Millville High School, class of 1953 and received a full scholarship to Rutgers University, class of 1957, where he earned a degree in electrical engineering and was an ROTC meember. Fred also attended the University of Pennsylvania for adjunct studies. He had worked at RCA in Camden, which later merged with GE/Martin-Marietta/Lockheed Martin, for nearly 40 years. Early in the 1970s, Fred received his first US Patient for his design of communications-equipment that was an integral part of the docking system for the first lunar-moon landing. Prior to moving to Florida, he retired in 1996 when he was recognized and honored by his professional peers with the title of a “Engineer’s Engineer.” His kindness and humble demeanor was always present along with the willingness to share his extensive knowledge to enhance projects and the engineering profession. His reputation for excellence was widely known within the engineering industry as well as by several branches of the military. He was a member of the Central Baptist Church in Millville. A self-taught musician, he played a custom-made theater organ and the violin. He was a ham-radio operator for over 50 years and held the call sign K2EFA. He was well read with a memory beyond comparison. Survivors include three sisters, Dr. Doris Aileen Bartholomew of Catalina, Arizona, Mary Edna Chance of Vineland, New Jersey and Dr. Lucille Van Wickler of Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania; three nieces; five nephews; a sister-in-law, Odette Bartholomew of Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania; his former wife, Charlotte Bartholomew of Vineland, New Jersey; and his lifelong friend, Jonathan E. Wood of Millville, New Jersey.He was predeceased by his son, William, in 2001; his parents, Yale and Mildred Bartholomew; three brothers, Dr. Charles Yale, Raymond Lester and Robert Ewan Bartholomew; and a brother-in-law, George Chance.Funeral services will by conducted at 11 a.m., today, Wednesday, Jan. 16 at Christy Funeral Home, 11 W. Broad Street, Millville, New Jersey. There will be a viewing prior to the service from 9-11 a.m. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park Cemetery, Millville, New Jersey.Written condolences and tributes to the family may be submitted to: Christyfuneralservice.com.Christy Funeral Home of Millville, New Jersey is in charge of all arrangements.Please sign the online guestbook. Go to www.suwanneedemocrat.com and click on obituaries