John A. Bartone Sr.

John A. Bartone, Sr., Retired entrepreneur, designer, developer and inventor. Devoted his life to caring for his family, improving the well-being of the environment through his environmental projects and stewardship, and selflessly practicing his faith. Born in Conneaut, Ohio, September 27, 1924. Military: From 1943-45 he proudly served in the 5th Armored "Victory" Division, Battery D of the 387th Antiaircraft Artillery Battalion beginning his service at eighteen years of age. The 5th Armored Division was activated in October 1941 at Fort Knox, Kentucky, landed at Utah Beach in France and arrived in the United Kingdom in February, 1944. Initially serving under General Patton the division was called "General Patton's Ghosts" as they stealthily participated in providing the anti-air artillery for the following campaigns: Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Adrennes-Alsace and Central Europe. The division landed at Utah Beach on 24 July 1944 under the command of Major General Lunsford E. Oliver, and moved into combat on 2 August, driving south through Coutances, Avranches, and Vitré, and across the Mayenne River to seize the city of Le Mans, 8 August. Turning north, the division surrounded the Germans in Normandy by advancing, through Le Mêle-sur-Sarthe Liberated on 11 August, to the edge of the city of Argentan on 12 August – 8 days before the Argentan-Falaise Gap was closed. During a heavy battle in Germany, he was given his first bronze star and was chosen to lead his battalion when his Lieutenant deserted the company of men, which advanced him in rank to Staff Sargent, a position he held through to the end of the war. As a member of the Greatest Generation he was proud of his time spent fighting for the greater good of the world and was a Decorated World War II hero, receiving a Bronze Star Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the American Theater Service Medal, and the European-African-Middle Eastern Service Medal with 5 Bronze Stars and was discharged with honors. Work Years: Upon returning from the service, he worked with his eldest brother doing ornamental welding, married his wife Anne, ran his first business renting trailers and selling mobile homes, raised a family of four children, then struck out on his own as an entrepreneur in the late1970s. He cared passionately about the welfare of his family, his community, the environment and the world as a whole, and as a two-time US Patent awardee, he devoted his life to being a passionate advocate for and pioneer of environmental causes through designing and developing his Solar Energy Composting Cylinder System and Process (that creates an organic soil amendment from organic and inorganic wastes) and his Box Clip (used to reuse/recycle corrugated cardboard boxes) through his venture, Organic Processing Systems, Inc. which was established in 1977. As the son of Italian immigrants, Antonio and Adolorata, he spent his youth in Conneaut, OH, where he grew up farming and tending to the land his parents owned with great pride and rich enjoyment of his heritage, which would later heavily influence his love for the environment. Throughout and just after graduating from high school, he worked as the Produce Manager at the local A&P grocery store. He was a voracious reader and a published author on the environment. Throughout his life he stressed and was a fine example of the value of hard work as the way to advance one's self and accomplish goals to lead a fulfilling life. A skilled craftsman, there was nothing he couldn't create or do with his mind and hands, and he taught and instilled this same creative passion in his children. A great man of Catholic faith, he was active in his parish, Holy Rosary of Erie, PA since 1947 (68 years) and was the embodiment of the Christ-like values of compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and service to others. He could always be found caring for family and friends who became ill, often times caring for their basic needs when others wouldn't or couldn't. He was always there to lend help to anyone in need, never refusing anyone or expecting anything in return for his assistance. He was a man of great integrity, humanity, kindness and humility. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife, Anne (Yezzi), to whom he was married for 69 years (together for 70). He was a Loving Father to: John A. Bartone, Jr. (Virginia), James M. Bartone (Vincenza) of Erie, PA, Janice A. Bartone, and Joanne M. Bartone (Karen Wainwright) of Pittsburgh, PA. He adored his grandchildren, including Aaron Bartone (Kristin), Antonietta Bartone and Vincent Bartone (Lauren), and he left no stone un-turned to protect them and care for them in their youth and as they grew to become fine adults; he was so proud of them. His great-grandchildren: Madison and Alexander Bartone were the icing on the cake of his heritage and he was grateful to have spent the last several months with them here in Pittsburgh where he was able to enjoy time with them frequently. He was a father figure to many of his nieces and nephews, often lending encouragement and support through difficult times – family meant everything to him and he loved everyone from afar. He was preceded in death by his parents, Antonio and Adolorata Bartone, his dear brother, Assundo Bartone, his loving sisters, Josephine Duva, his twin sister Philomena Argentine and Antoinette Beach. He faced trials and tribulations in life, as well as many wonderful accomplishments and joyful moments with the wisdom and knowledge that the legacy he was leaving was one of "doing unto others as you would have done to yourself" - the best and most important way to live a rewarding life. As per John's wishes there are no visitations. Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, July 22, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. in St. Catherine of Siena Church. Interment in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies with full military honors. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be made to Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW.org or your local hospice organization. Arrangements entrusted to BRUSCO-NAPIER FUNERAL SERVICE, LTD.