John J. Bartos

Bartos, John J.Jack died peacefully on March 10 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital surrounded by his loving wife, his children and by the compassionate Jefferson staff. He was a loving husband to Sallie (Dunbar) Bartos for 19 years and an incredibly supportive and proud father to his six children: Bethlehem Catholic sophomores, Drew and Alexa, with whom he resided; Peter (Donna) of Peoria, Arizona; Jennifer Roeder (Jason) of Bethlehem; Annie Bartos (John Mauro) of Auckland, New Zealand; and Kristen Bruneo (Vince) of Bethlehem. He was the doting grandfather and head golf instructor to PJ, Gracie and Hannah Bartos; John, Ryan and Patrick Roeder; Madeline Bartos Mauro; and Joseph Bruneo. Jack was the oldest of nine children and the heroic big brother to them all. The front nine: Jack graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1967 where he was a member of both the golf and wrestling teams. He went on to play golf at Mt. St. Mary's College in Emmitsburg, Maryland, from where he graduated in 1971. Jack received his Juris Doctorate from Duquesne University School of Law in 1974. He returned to the Lehigh Valley from Pittsburgh immediately upon graduation to practice law, which he would do for more than 40 years. Despite owning a successful law firm, Jack did occasionally (often) find the time for 18 holes. He cherished every blade of grass at Saucon Valley Country Club, where he had been a member since childhood. He loved a quick round with one of his children or grandchildren or clients or with his regular foursome. Jack supported Saucon over the years by keeping the caddie-master busy, but also by doing good for the club. As a former member of the Green Committee, Jack was instrumental in working with the United States Golf Association to bring the 1987 United States Senior Amateur to Saucon. This event would be a precursor to the club's subsequent USGA majors. The back nine: Jack was a member of the Northampton County and Pennsylvania Bar Associations. He had spent the latter part of his business career as an expert in the area of elder law. This work gave Jack the good fortune to meet hundreds (if not thousands) of members of The Greatest Generation. His diligence and care, not to mention his attention to every detail, made him a respected and sought-after professional who always served with his clients' best interests at heart. Jack truly labored for the love of his work and of his clients. As an example to many, Jack endured his setbacks with the same humble approach as when he relished in his victories. He took great joy in hearing of his family members' triumphs and was the consummate rock during their trying times. His perseverance, strength, determination and dedication to that which he held important are just a few of his qualities that his children and grandchildren will carry on in his name. Survivors: He is survived by his wife, Sallie, his 6 children, 8 grandchildren, brothers Paul Bartos, Joseph Bartos, Robert Bartos and Jeffrey Bartos, sisters Mary Jane Sickonic, Susan Bartos, and Peg Story, as well as many nieces and nephews and their children. He was predeceased in life by his parents, Dr. Joseph E. and Ethel (Daday) Bartos and his sister, Nancy Bartos. Services: There will be a Celebration of Life in Jack's honor on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at St. Anne's Church in Bethlehem at 6:30 PM. Contributions: In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Drew and Alexa Bartos Education Fund at Embassy Bank, 100 Gateway Drive, Bethlehem, PA 18017. Send online condolences to www.connellfuneral.com.