Philip R. Bartholomew Jr.

1956 - 2021

Philip R. Bartholomew, Jr., died at home on November 4, 2021 with his wife, Tracey, and children, Kelly, Kyle, and Brett, at his side. He leaves behind a legacy that any man would be proud of, much of it centered within Ft. Lauderdale's Rio Vista neighborhood, where he and Tracey lived and raised their family over the last 40 years. An active member and volunteer at Saint Anthony Catholic Church and School, a community activist, and the ultimate family man, Phil was a constant and beloved friend.

Phil was born November 16, 1956, on Guam in the Mariana Islands, where his father, Dr. Philip R. Bartholomew, and mother, Margaret, were stationed with the U.S. Navy. He spent his early childhood in both Augusta and Macon, Georgia, moving to Atlanta at age 11. As a teenager at Lakeside High School, he became known for his relaxed, positive demeanor and sense of humor, and it was there that his genuine interest in and care for people first emerged. The cadre of Phil's high school friends stayed in close touch as their lives unfurled, all the while sharing the love and camaraderie that were fostered from their youth.

As he graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in advertising, he sought a way of life that would not keep him behind a desk, but that would set him off on his own odyssey – and so began a 26-year career with Delta Airlines.

As a senior flight attendant, Phil was often recognized as an employee of distinction, a consummate professional who always went the extra distance to provide kindness, comfort, and safety to passengers and fellow crew members. Throughout his career, his employee file grew with countless compliments, accolades, and thanks from customers, colleagues, and Delta leadership in recognition of his commitment to excellent customer service. He made a positive difference in the lives of the people he encountered daily.

Phil's career gave him the ability to see and experience the world – and humanity -- in ways that few can imagine. Most important, it was through Delta that he met Tracey, his future soulmate and wife of 32 years. They would journey around the globe together, create a close family of fellow travelers, and settle in Ft. Lauderdale, becoming deeply involved in their community. During his 15 years as a board member and president of the Rio Vista Civic Association, Phil was an advocate for all Rio Vista's families. He served his neighbors, his church, and as time went on, his children, as a coach of youth sports and Indian Princess and Guide father, and as a lector, Eucharistic minister, and member of the Saint Anthony Pastoral Council. Phil and Tracey's home was frequently the scene of festive gatherings, large and small, anytime a celebration was called for -- or the lobsters were freshly caught.

Phil took to fatherhood with a zeal as intense as his passion for Tracey. An expert man of the water who passed along the skills of boating, diving, and fishing to his children, he brought them up with a love for life and adventure that was both profound and carefree in the same breath. He was just as treasured for his empathy, honesty, and wisdom, a parent who listened more than he lectured. There were few days that did not include conversations with his children, even in later years when they were scattered far from home. And there were never any days when his love was not felt as strong as the sun is bright. He shared that warmth and devotion with his extended family and friends in a multitude of ways, and served as an officiant for many weddings, communicating his belief in the importance of love, respect, and faith in creating a long-lasting marriage.

As the airline industry and the needs of his family changed, Phil too changed course in his early 50s, becoming a marine and aviation loan officer for Seacoast Marine Finance. While he brought tremendous knowledge and skill to the new endeavor, he did something that many cannot do -- he embraced becoming a beginner as an adult. But as he learned, he also taught, mastering his new line of work and building a successful business over the last 15 years.

Phil was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, and just as he faced every other challenge in his life, he did so with bravery and concern for others. The initial therapy he received was toxic and cruel, but he would nevertheless leave treatment and head back to work to continue providing for his family and still manage to be home in time for family dinner. He would experience several years of remission and good health before the cancer returned and evaded every attempt to bring it under control.

A special light has passed from this life to the next. Phil was a free spirit and deeply devout. He was opinionated and unfailingly gracious. He was strong and softhearted. He was all things human. In his final days, he remained hard at work and full of purpose. He also reached out to as many family members and friends as he could to personally say goodbye. They, in turn, let him know that he was loved, respected, and appreciated beyond measure and that he would be missed forever.

In addition to Phil's wife and children, he is survived by his sister and brother, Lauren Luik and Chris Bartholomew, and their spouses, Joe Boyd and Mary Todd Bartholomew, his brothers-in-law, Mike and Marc Shepard, as well as his aunt, uncle, and numerous beloved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation will be held at Fred Hunter Funeral Home, 718 Federal Highway on Monday, 11/15 from 4-7pm. A funeral mass for Phil will be held at Saint Anthony Catholic Church, 901 NE 2nd Street on Tuesday, 11/16 at 10 am.

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, the family has asked to kindly consider making donations in Phil's name to Saint Anthony Friends for Education, 920 NE 3rd Street, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33301 or Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, 2801 SW 12th Street, Ft Lauderdale, FL 33312, with a note for the gift to be directed to the School Development Foundation.