ROBERT "BOB" BARTLETT Jr.

1948 - 2021

Robert T. Bartlett, Jr., 73, of Melbourne Beach, Florida formerly of North Hatfield, Massachusetts, peacefully passed away at home, October 29, 2021 surrounded by his family, as a result of ALS. He was born October 27, 1948 in Northampton, MA, the son of the late Robert T. Bartlett, Sr. of Orlando and the late Mary (DePaolo) Bartlett of Northampton. Bob grew up in Northampton, and graduated from Northampton High School. He later graduated with degree in Civil Engineering from Springfield Technical Community College. He continued his education at the University of Massachusetts. Bob proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army serving in Vietnam from 1969 to 1970. He was part of both Company D, 2nd Battalion, 505 Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division and also Company B, 1st Battalion, 502 Infantry, 2nd Brigade 101st Airborne Division Airmobile. He was awarded Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Sharpshooter Badge, Marksman Badge and the Bronze Star during his service. He was Honorably Discharged as a Sargent from Fort Carson, CO. Bob owned and operated, alongside of his wife, Hampshire Construction Company and Hatfield Equipment. He was a Star Metal Buildings dealer for 52 years specializing in commercial and industrial design and build projects; and a site work and underground utility contractor working all over New England and New York State.
Bob believed in making his community a better place to live. He served his community as a member of the Town of Hatfield Planning Board for 45 years, Water Superintendent, Assistant Building Inspector, and was members of the Capital Improvement Planning, Center School Redevelopment and Master Plan Committees. He was a communicant of Our Lady of Grace parish and served on the finance committee. After retirement, he loved working in the agricultural fields in Hatfield during summer by driving tractor during tobacco harvest, and haying with his son and grandson.
Bob also felt it important to volunteer to assist fellow Veterans. He was a member of the American Legion Post 344 (Hatfield, MA) as a Finance Officer, and a member of VFW Post 3422 (Easthampton, MA). He also volunteered at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in both Leeds, Massachusetts and Viera, Florida as a driver taking his fellow veterans to medical appointments. He was a Guardian for the Space Coast Honor Flight escorting Veterans to the war memorials in Washington, D.C.
Bob's special interest was sports cars. He enjoyed owning and driving his Corvettes and was member of the Space Coast Corvette Club. He traveled to IMSA races with family and friends at Watkin's Glen, Sebring, Daytona Raceway and Lime Rock Raceway. He also helped his friends as a member of the "pit crew" that were hobby racers as part of the SCCA Historic Racing Group. He was an avid sailor, spending weekends sailing on Long Island Sound.
Bob loved his family. He leaves his loving wife of 51 years, Joan. He is also survived by his children, Michael Bartlett with his wife, Holli, and Susan Lynes with her husband Ken; his two grandchildren of which he was most proud, Ashley Higgins and Maxwell Bartlett; His sister Marilyn Neumann and many nieces and nephews, and close cousins from all over the country. He was predeceased by his brother, Bruce Bartlett of Boulder, CO.
His family would like to thank the wonderful staff at the ALS Clinic at West Haven, and Leeds VA Medical Centers along with the Fisher Home of Amherst and the support they have given to them.
The funeral will be Thursday November 4, 2021 at 9 am from the CZELUSNIAK FUNERAL HOME, 173 North St, Northampton, MA 01060 with a Mass of Christian Burial at Our Lady of Grace Church in Hatfield at 10 am. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery. Calling Hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm at the funeral home. Online condolences can be made at www.CZELUSNIAKFUNERALHOME.COM Memorial contributions may be made to:
Hospice of the Fisher Home, 1165 North Pleasant St. Amherst, MA 01002. www.fisherhome.org